NGOs call for dialogue with Social Solidarity ministry

Amid ongoing confusion concerning the government's intentions towards NGOs and the role of civil society in Egypt, 10 organizations called for dialogue with the Ministry of Social Solidarity, according to a joint statement released Tuesday.

The aim is to present recommendations to the government following the Universal Periodic Review session at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva earlier this month, and support state efforts to combat terrorism, as well as tackle ongoing deterioration in health services, education and housing, and address the increasing violations of political and civil rights, the statement asserted. 

Stating that NGOs have nothing to hide and that there is nothing they are afraid to discuss, the statement said such organizations hope to earn the government’s support through improved communication, which they hope will facilitate the proposing of alternative policies to improve human rights in Egypt.   

In July, the Ministry of Social Solidarity declared it would take swift action against NGOs that do not comply with the provisions of Law 84 (2002), and set a November 10 deadline for organizations to adjust their legal status accordingly.

A day after the deadline, the ministry released confusing statements, but clarified that it would examine non-registered NGOs on a one-to-one basis, looking at their legal registration, the nature of their work and sources of funding, and adding that they would assist NGOs in registering.

The statement by NGOs, however, maintains they don’t see this approach as a way to resolve the current crisis, and think it will prolong and complicate the matter further.

“As long as the ministry reverts to a repressive law that violates the 2014 Constitution, and the international treaties Egypt is committed to, NGOs reiterate their position of calling for the implementation of a democratic, constitutional law regulating civil society in a transparent and public manner,” the statement read.

Signatories to the statement include: The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS), the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), the Hisham Mubarak Law Center, and the Arab Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), among others.

Mohamed Zarea, head of CIHRS, said that reaching out to the government is nothing new. He cited a recent meeting with Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb, during which he presented a statement signed by 23 organizations asking the government to review its policies towards NGOs.

“What would be new is if the government responds to our calls,” he told Mada Masr.

“We are just renewing our calls for dialogue following the meeting with Mehleb,” he added.

NGOs have expressed their willingness to engage in dialogue with the government more than once, according to the statement. Following July 3, 2013, they also proposed a draft law in line with international standards.

“The undersigned organizations are ready to engage in dialogue with the government, represented by the Ministry of Social Solidarity, on the development and independence of civil society, as well as legislative matters and security and administrative interference in their work,” the statement read.

The NGOs said they hope the ministry will respond to their calls in a way that will serve the nation’s interests and ensure the basic rights of citizens.

Zarea, however, believes that the NGOs issue is not limited to the Social Solidarity Ministry, but extends to “other bodies” that have to be part of the proposed dialogue, including the security apparatus and the presidency.