The United Nations human rights chief today appealed to all parties in Egypt to act with restraint and initiate talks, following a day of bloody violence that left hundreds dead and many more injured.
“I deplore the loss of life and call on all in Egypt to seek a way out of the violence. I urge the Egyptian authorities and security forces to act with the utmost restraint,” said Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
“What is needed is genuinely inclusive reconciliation. I therefore appeal again to all sides to engage in urgent dialogue to avoid further violence and hate speech, with the aim of restoring constitutional order through free and democratic elections.”
Yesterday, security forces clashed with demonstrators demanding the reinstatement of deposed President Mohamed Morsy. Ms. Pillay noted that there were conflicting reports about the scale of the violence as Government officials said more than 500 had been killed while the Muslim Brotherhood put the figure at more than 2,000.
“The number of people killed or injured, even according to the Government’s figures, point to an excessive, even extreme, use of force against demonstrators,” she said. “There must be an independent, impartial, effective and credible investigation of the conduct of the security forces. Anyone found guilty of wrongdoing should be held to account.”
Ms. Pillay reminded Egyptian authorities that their security forces are bound by the rule of law and must act with full respect for human rights, including the rights to free speech and peaceful assembly. She also stressed that Government opponents who have reportedly attacked public buildings and religious sites should be brought to justice, and underlined that demonstrators must ensure their gatherings remain peaceful.
“Wednesday’s tragic events highlight the degree to which Egypt is becoming dangerously polarized,” Ms. Pillay said, pointing to reports of violent incidents in several parts of the country in response to the clearing of sit-ins in Cairo.
Reacting to Wednesday’s announcement by Egyptian authorities of a month-long national state of emergency, Ms. Pillay said it should be implemented in conformity with Egypt’s obligations under international law, ensuring that human rights are respected and protected.
Ms. Pillay added that under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Egypt is a party, no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his or her life or be subject to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, even in times of emergency.
“Everyone deprived of their liberty must be treated humanely and afforded all the judicial guarantees under international law,” she said.
Egypt has been undergoing a democratic transition following the toppling of President Hosni Mubarak two years ago in the wake of mass protests. Last month, renewed protests – in which dozens of people were killed and wounded – led to the Egyptian military deposing Mr. Morsy. The Constitution was then suspended and an interim government set up.
