In an alarming development, an open letter directed at EU officials has raised serious reservations about the proposed agreement between Europol and Egyptian law enforcement. This agreement is rooted in Egypt’s distressing track record of human rights abuses, where security objectives are prioritized above the essential rights and freedoms of individuals. Over 40 organizations, including Statewatch, have united to voice their opposition against this collaboration, emphasizing that it promotes a dangerous regional strategy that disregards justice and democracy.
The Egyptian regime stands accused of systemic human rights violations against migrants, refugees, and political dissidents. Despite these grave concerns, the EU has sought to build closer relations with Egypt, illustrated by a September 2024 meeting in Cairo between former Commissioner Ylva Johansson and Egyptian officials. The agenda included discussions on accelerating cooperation, marking a concerning move towards increased ties with a nation notorious for its oppressive measures.
A formal working arrangement with Europol would facilitate information exchange on crimes within Europol’s remit, adding to the sixteen existing relationships with various countries. However, even a limited information-sharing agreement poses risks, potentially leading to a ‘whitewashing’ of ongoing human rights abuses in both Egypt and the EU, as cautioned by the open letter.
During her Cairo visit, Johansson praised Egypt as a “true strategic partner,” commending its handling of migrants, particularly Sudanese refugees. Yet this perspective clashes sharply with reports from international bodies detailing severe human rights violations, including torture, unlawful detentions, and enforced disappearances. The letter highlights that the EU’s motives of combating terrorism risk further enabling Egypt’s oppressive regime.
The authors of the letter demand clarity on the rationale behind the EU’s collaboration with Egypt given the significant human rights threats it entails. Echoing past requests from the European Parliament, they insist on insights regarding human rights assessments, emphasizing that any cooperation agreement should be contingent upon thorough due diligence processes, which, if lacking, should prevent any agreement from proceeding.
In closing, the letter calls on the EU to abandon all attempts to formalize police cooperation with Egypt. Instead, it urges the EU to wield its influence to insist on vital reforms, safeguarding human rights, civil liberties, and democracy in Egypt. The correspondence primarily targets the newly appointed Commissioner, Magnus Brunner, stressing the urgency of this appeal in the face of potential rights violations.
An open letter to EU officials expresses concerns over a proposed police cooperation agreement with Egypt, highlighting the country’s human rights violations. Signed by over 40 organizations, the letter argues that such cooperation prioritizes security over justice and undermines essential freedoms. The authors call for clarity on human rights assessments, urging the EU to halt collaboration with Egypt and advocate for reforms that protect civil liberties.
The open letter reflects a collective fear that EU police cooperation with Egypt prioritizes security over fundamental human rights, urging immediate cessation of such agreements. Amidst Egypt’s notorious human rights violations, it calls on the EU to leverage its power to demand crucial reforms, instead of edging closer to a partnership that endangers the freedoms and justice for vulnerable populations. With mounting criticism, active engagement in reassessing these ties remains imperative for the EU.
Original Source: www.statewatch.org
