Alkarama's second cycle submission sheds light on the extent to which Egypt has worked to change its laws and practice with regards to torture, fair trial standards, detention, freedom of expression and assembly, accountability for extrajudicial killings.

Since its last UPR, Egypt was rocked by the downfall of President Hosni Mubarak, following a popular revolution. The Supreme Command of the Armed Forces held power until the presidential elections which brought Mohamed Morsi to power in June 2012. His presidency lasted until 3 July 2013 when he was deposed by the military following large-scale demonstrations. Adli Mansour was then nominated by the army as interim president, and presidential elections are expected be held by July 2014.

Unfortunately, none of those who have held power in Egypt since January 2011 have been able to align legislation and practice with international standards. Key issues of concern highlighted in this regard are the systematic use of torture by all security services and the impunity that prevails, fostered by its very restrictive definition enshrined in the Criminal Code. Arbitrary detention and the absence of fair trials are also preoccupying, especially with regards to military trials of civilians, which are allowed by the 2014 Constitution. Alkarama's report also highlights the worsening violations of the right to freedom of expression and assembly, as shown by the attacks on journalists, human rights defenders and since the military takeover, on Muslim Brotherhood members and supporters. Moreover, infringements of the rights to freedom of assembly have been a feature of Egyptian life over the past four years, during which peaceful demonstrations were subjected to all sorts of abuse, including arrest, conviction and death. In this regard, Egypt has failed to deliver proper accountability for the killing of demonstrators since the 2011 revolution.

Alkarama calls on the international community to address recommendations on those issues to Egypt and urge the authorities to put an end to all human rights violations.

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On Wednesday 26 March 2014, Alkarama will be launching in Geneva its public report on "Impunity is not an option: Ensure accountability for mass killings in Egypt" which demonstrates that Egyptian prosecutors have failed to ensure accountability for the violations of the right to life committed since the military takeover on 3 July 2013.

Join the event here ; If you wish to attend, please contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / +41 22 734 10 06