As European leaders convene with Egyptian officials, Amnesty International urges them to prioritize human rights in their dealings with the country. Despite repeated assurances to the contrary, Egypt's human rights record remains appalling. Thousands languish in arbitrary detention, freedom of expression and assembly are severely curtailed, and refugees and migrants face systematic abuse.
Amnesty International's Head of European Institutions Office and Advocacy Director, Eve Geddie, states: "EU leaders must reverse their course of ignoring Egypt's human rights crisis. Failure to address these violations emboldens the Egyptian government to continue its repressive practices."
In recent years, the EU has deepened its cooperation with Egypt on migration control, often at the expense of human rights. This approach has failed to stem migration flows and has instead led to the abuse of migrants and refugees.
The EU must conduct a thorough human rights risk assessment before signing any new migration agreements with Egypt. It should also ensure that Egypt upholds the rights of all individuals within its borders, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.
EU leaders must unequivocally condemn Egypt's human rights abuses and set clear benchmarks for progress in EU-Egypt relations. The time for complacency is over. Europe must stand up for human rights and demand that Egypt uphold its international obligations.
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