Press release

Foreign Office minister statement on human rights in Egypt

Minister for North Africa, Tobias Ellwood comments on growing restrictions on civil society in Egypt

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and The Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood
• Published: 22 March 2016

This was published under the 2015 to 2016 Cameron Conservative government

Foreign Office Minister Tobias Ellwood said:

I am deeply concerned by growing restrictions on civil society in Egypt, including reports that the Egyptian authorities have reopened a case against a number of Egyptian human rights organisations. A strong, successful Egypt built on the rule of law and with open political processes is important to us all.

Egypt has committed to allowing civil society organisations to engage in activities freely in its 2014 constitution. Restrictions and sanctions run counter to this and undermine international confidence in Egypt’s political transition.

I encourage the government of Egypt to work with civil society organisations to implement the rights guaranteed by the Egyptian constitution and allow non-governmental organisations to operate freely.

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Published 22 March 2016