Many in the human rights community in Africa, called on the African Commission not to accept the bid by Egypt to host the 64th Session of the African Commission because Egypt’s wanton human rights abuses starkly contradict the Commission’s mandate to protect and promote human and people’s rights. The human rights record of Egypt and its treatment of Egyptian human rights defenders and journalists and those from other countries working in Egypt, raises concerns and questions over the security and effective participation of human rights defenders when they participate in the session. Secondly by hosting the African Commission’s 64th session, President Sisi will use the occasion to explain to the world that Egypt “respects” human rights and recognizes the vital role the Commission plays in raising human rights concerns with states and in enhancing human rights on the continent. One of the Commission’s weaknesses is its inability to enforce resolutions it takes in crucial human rights issues. Having Egypt as host for the Commission also raises security challenges for human rights groups that would want to participate in the Commission sessions given the militarization of civic space in Egypt and the way the government monitors the activities of human rights groups.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 29, 2019 12:33 UTC