COP27: Egypt attacks HRW after watchdog criticises government treatment of environmentalists

Egypt slammed a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report on Tuesday after the watchdog criticised the government over its treatment of NGOs ahead of an upcoming environmental conference.

Egypt's hosting of the UN climate change conference COP27 at the Egyptian resort of Sharm El-Sheikh in November has been criticised by human rights groups, due to Cairos's massive crackdown on activists in the country since a 2013 military coup.

HRW said tough restrictions on civil society in Egypt have prevented a number of environmental NGOs from registering for the conference due to not being recognised by the government. Cairo has rejected the claims.

Egyptian foreign ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid told AP it was "unfortunate to find such allegations and inaccuracies" in HRW's report and alleged it was based on "testimonies of unknown sources" and "unidentified groups" who said they are banned from attending the conference.

"It is deplorable and counterproductive to issue such a misleading report, at a time where all efforts should be consolidated to ensure the convening of a successful COP that guarantees the implementation of global climate commitments," Abu Zeid said.

Abu Zeid later posted his remarks to Twitter, saying they were "regrettably not quoted in [their] entirety".

Egypt's government is known to massively curtail free press and civil society in the country.

HRW issued a press release on Monday accusing Cairo of having "severely curtailed environmental groups' ability to carry out independent policy, advocacy, and field work essential to protecting the country's natural environment".

HRW environment director Richard Pearshouse said the government has "imposed arbitrary funding, research, and registration obstacles".

These have "debilitated local environmental groups, forcing some activists into exile and others to steer clear of important work", he added.

HRW said the Egyptian government's restrictions amount to a serious violation of human rights and throw into question its ability to meet basic climate commitments.

The human rights group's report was based on interviews with more than a dozen academics, scientists, and activists.

HRW's website, along with dozens of others, is blocked in Egypt.

The Egyptian foreign ministry statement did not address allegations of intimidation and obstruction faced by environment workers and other activists.

Rather, it responded to accounts that some local groups have faced difficulty in registering with the government due to strict laws on how NGOs should be established and registered.

Only groups registered with the government can apply for accreditation to participate in the COP27 summit.

My comments to @AP on the recent @HRW report on environmental groups work in 🇪🇬 , regrettably not quoted in its entirety in their article today “Egypt rejects reports of stifling environment activism. Objectivism & professionalism necessitate honest presentation of all opinions. pic.twitter.com/0xX5dGE6et

— Egypt MFA Spokesperson (@MfaEgypt) September 13, 2022

Egypt's government has engaged in a widespread crackdown on dissent in recent years, detaining tens of thousands of people, many without trial, according to rights groups.

Under President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi authorities have also repeatedly intimidated activists and journalists.

New laws have effectively barred civil society from operating in Egypt and effectively prevent free media from operating.

Alaa Abdel-Fattah, a UK-Egyptian dual national, has been on hunger strike since April to protest against his imprisonment and inhumane prison conditions.

He has told his family he could die in jail, saying he doesn't "believe there's any chance of individual salvation".

Abdel-Fattah was handed a five-year sentence in December on charges of "broadcasting false news" after he shared a Facebook post.

His detention has been slammed as "unjust" by Amnesty International.