Egypt’s continued use of the 2019 associations law shows that, despite the closure of Case 173, the pressure on independent civil society remains very real.
Development Diaries reports that Amnesty International, in a new briefing titled ‘Whatever security says must be done: Independent NGOs’ freedom of association restricted in Egypt’, revealed how the authorities are imposing undue restrictions and interfering in the work of independent non-governmental organisations (NGO).
Egypt’s continued use of the 2019 associations law shows that, despite the closure of Case 173, pressure on independent civil society is still heavy and is being done through the repressive law No. 149 of 2019 (the associations law) and other tactics to bring them under near-total
The law gives authorities wide powers to control who can register, what NGOs can do and how they access resources. This stands at odds with the right to freedom of association under international human rights law, which protects people’s ability to organise and participate in public life without unnecessary barriers.
The involvement of the National Security Agency adds another layer of concern. Reports of intimidating phone calls, unapproved summons, delays in registration and pressure around funding create a climate of fear for NGO workers.
Such interference goes against the state’s duty to protect civil society actors from intimidation and reprisals, and instead deepens mistrust between citizens and the government.
Financial control has also become a tool of restriction. By making bank accounts, foreign funding and even event venues subject to security clearance, the state can slow down or halt an NGO’s work at any moment.
This disrupts essential services, hinders advocacy and violates the right of associations to seek and use resources which is a right protected under international standards.
Egypt’s government should amend the associations law to ensure simple registration by notification, stop security interference in civic activities and remove barriers to funding and operations.
Civil society plays an essential role in any healthy society. It is time for the authorities to open space, uphold their human rights obligations and support an environment where NGOs can work without fear.
Photo source: Khaled Desouki/AFP
