Introduction:
Since the submission of its last report, Egypt has witnessed tangible progress in the field of
human rights, in line with the provisions and spirit of the African Charter on Human and Peoples'
Rights, civic, political, economic, social and cultural rights, with particular emphasis on the rights
of women, children and physically challenged persons.
Based on its convictions and
commitment to the principle of equality without any discrimination, Egypt has spared no efforts
in guaranteeing human rights for all its citizens to preserve their human dignity within the
context of a democratic society founded on freedom liberty and justice.
In a regional environment characterized by volatile internal developments, Egypt witnessed the
eruption of the popular revolution of 25th January 2011 when the people of Egypt demanded the
overthrow of the regime and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, raising the
banner of freedom, decent living and social justice. Political events then unfolded, leading to the
election of a President from the Muslim Brotherhood in June 2012. The turnout in that election
was 51.8% and the candidate won 51.7% of the votes. However, the people were surprised that
the new president continued to pursue despotic policies that undermined the rule of law and ran
counter to the objectives of the January 25 Revolution.
These policies entrenched the concentration of power in the hands of the President’s party. The
President issued a constitutional declaration by virtue of which he shielded his decisions from
judicial oversight and attacked the independence of the judiciary with the removal of the
Attorney General. He equally failed to enforce court rulings that did not favor the political
interests of his group, His supporters also besieged the headquarters of the Supreme
Constitutional Court to prevent it from performing its work. The President and his party adopted
political rhetoric that incited hatred and violence among the citizenry and discriminated against
them according to their political and religious affiliations. Also, the committee formed by the
President to develop a constitution consisted solely of the supporters of the President's political
group, chosen on religious grounds. Despite a judicial ruling that nullified the formation of that
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