31/12/05

Press Release     AOHR-London               URGENT

The Arab Organisation For Human Rights - London [AOHR] ,received with regret the sad news in which the Egyptian riot-police have ended the peaceful protest by Sudanese asylum seekers in one of Cairo's public squares. The use of excessive force by the police against unarmed protesters ,indeed the use of force per se was sufficient to cause injuries. In this case the use of such force had lead to the unfortunate death of 25 persons and the injury to 20 others amongst whom there were children , women and elderly all of whom were civilians.

The AOHR believes that the protest was justified ,given the neglect of the protesters plight to find sanctuary in a member state[ member state of the Convention for the Statues of Refugees - Geneva] ,which would accept them as refugees . Egypt provided such persons with temporary shelter whilst their applications for settlement was being considered by the UNHCR offices there. As such the authorities showed insensitivity to the needs of such a vulnerable group during their stay on its territory and the least that could have been offered was to guarantee their safety.

The large number of fatalities and casualties begs the question as to the preparedness of such states which are frequent destinations for refugees en route to a safe third country ,and as to the role which the UNHCR plays in supervising and guaranteeing a safe passage.

The AOHR expresses concern that other states including Spain , France and Morocco are using violence and force in removing and handling asylum seekers . It also fears that an undesired precedent is being set in the treatment of such a vulnerable group .

The AOHR-London calls for the UNHCR to appoint an  inquiry  to investigate the circumstances that have lead to this unnecessary loss of life given that a negotiated solution was available to the Egyptian authorities. 

AOHR LONDON:

urgent contact A Salfiti : 00447767216956