The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, meeting at its 14th Extra-Ordinary Session, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 20 to 24 July 2013;
Recalling its mandate to promote and protect human and peoples’ rights on the African Continent pursuant to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter);
Considering that the Arab Republic of Egypt is a Party to the African Charter and has committed itself to securing human and peoples’ rights within its territory;
Having regard to its previous resolutions on the human rights situation in the Arab Republic of Egypt, in particular ACHPR/RES.14 (XVI) 94 and ACHPR/RES.179 (EXT.OS/IX) 2011;
Further Considering that the Arab Republic of Egypt is in a critical period of transition towards democracy and facing fundamental challenges in the fields of the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and social justice:
Further Considering the relevant African Union (AU) instruments on unconstitutional changes of Government, notably the Lomé Declaration of July 2000 and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance of January 2007;
Recalling the removal from power of the democratically elected President Mohammed Morsi and the suspension of the Constitution;
Deeply concerned by the human rights violations resulting from these events, in particular arbitrary arrests, detention and the use of force and violence by the parties concerned;
Deeply concerned that the situation in the Arab Republic of Egypt threatens the stability of the country and the cohesion of its people, with far-reaching national and regional consequences;
Considering that respect for human rights and freedoms, social justice, including space to freely participate in the political and economic affairs of the State by its citizens are critical elements of the transition towards an open, stable, democratic, free and prosperous Egyptian society;
Calls Upon:
(a) All Egyptian stakeholders to embrace the spirit of constructive dialogue and to condemn and refrain from all acts of violence and vandalism against public and private property;
(b) The Egyptian army and security forces to immediately end all acts of violence, repression, harassment, arbitrary arrests and detention;
(c) The transitional Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt to conduct impartial and transparent investigations into all cases of death, torture, degrading treatment and harassment of peaceful protestors, and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice; and
(d) The transitional Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt to expedite actions to return the country to democratic rule;
Appeals to all AU partners to lend their full support to AU’s efforts and to work towards a coordinated approach on the situation.
Done in Nairobi, Kenya, 24 July 2013
