EHRF co-sponsored a side event at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on September 20th, titled “The Far-Reaching Impact of the New Draft of Criminal Procedures code .” Held in collaboration with CIHRS, CFJ, DIGNITY, OMCT and ICJ, the event addressed the proposed amendments to Egypt's Criminal Procedures Law, which are expected to grant broader powers to the public prosecution that could be used to suppress political opposition and human rights defenders, including those based in the diaspora. The event provided a valuable opportunity for member states to discuss the importance of the upcoming Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in addressing these concerning legal changes and their impact on human rights defenders in Egypt.
“This event was a valuable opportunity to rally support from the international community in addressing this critical issue,” said an EHRF spokesperson. “There was widespread agreement on the need to raise these concerns during Egypt's upcoming Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council.”
