Egypt creates new human rights watchdog - to protect itself

Egypt has created a new high-powered human rights watchdog agency, but its primary mission isn't to protect Egyptians from violations.

Instead, the body is foremost aimed at protecting the government from allegations of rights abuses and defending it on the international stage.

The new body reflects an attitude of the state under President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi that sees criticism over human rights as intended to undermine the government and cause instability at a time when it is facing militant threats and trying to rebuild a battered economy.

Officials have already started a campaign against "false rumours" and "fake news" and have in some cases detained those who speak out.

At the same time, the government has sought to redefine or broaden human rights, declaring new "rights" to fight terrorism and protect the state.

Critics see that as an attempt to legitimize and draw international attention away from alleged abuses by security forces.

"Human rights cannot be divided, nor can some be given priorities over others," said Nasser Amin, a prominent rights lawyer.

The High Permanent Commission for Human rights does not include any rights activists. Its main members are representatives of the Foreign Ministry, the military, the intelligence agencies and the Interior Ministry, which oversees a police force accused of torture and forced disappearances, claims that are categorically denied by the government.

The mission of the body, according to a Cabinet statement, is to "respond to claims" made against Egypt's human rights record and formulate a "unified Egyptian vision" to be stated in regional and international forums.

One key role will be to deal with the UN Human Rights Council, which is to review the situation in Egypt in late 2019.

"This is a body that will seek to improve the image of the country, not actual human rights," said Gamal Eid, a prominent rights lawyer.

"Rather than fight the root causes of human rights violations, it has been customary for Egypt to set up committees to confuse the scene. Egyptian diplomacy has been effective at drawing attention away from violations."
"No, no! We are just a nation that wants to live, just like you do. We respect and love our people."