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Women Journalists Without Chains has expressed deep concern regarding the new asylum law enacted by the Egyptian Parliament on November 19, 2024.
The organization believes this law represents a significant regression from Egypt's international obligations to protect refugees and asylum seekers and contradicts the fundamental principles established in the 1951 Refugee Convention.
The organization emphasizes that the new law lacks adequate legal safeguards for refugees, fostering an environment conducive to widespread violations. It imposes a 45-day deadline for submitting asylum applications after entering Egyptian territory, which is impractical and unjust, especially given the exceptional circumstances refugees face while fleeing conflict zones.
Additionally, the law does not contain clear provisions to prevent the forced return of refugees to countries where they may face risk, directly violating the internationally recognized principle of 'non-refoulement.' It also imposes severe restrictions on the movement of refugees and their participation in public life, with penalties that include detention, fines, and deportation procedures that infringe upon their basic rights.
Furthermore, the law fails to provide explicit guarantees for refugees' rights to education, healthcare, and employment, exacerbating their suffering and hindering their ability to build a decent life in the country.
Women Journalists Without Chains stresses that protecting refugees is not merely a legal obligation but a humanitarian duty that reflects the state's respect for human rights and human dignity. Continuing to implement policies that restrict refugees or jeopardize their lives will only exacerbate humanitarian challenges and create new crises.
The organization asserts that reviewing this law presents an opportunity for the Egyptian government to demonstrate its genuine commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable groups while promoting the rule of law and social justice in a manner that aligns with Egypt's regional and international standing.
In light of these concerns, Women Journalists Without Chains calls on the Egyptian government to take the following actions:
- A request for the Egyptian President not to ratify the law in its current form and to return it to Parliament for comprehensive amendments that guarantee the protection of refugees' rights.
- An appeal for amendments that include clear safeguards to protect refugees from forced return and respect their right to seek international protection without unjustified obstacles.
- A call for a transparent dialogue with relevant stakeholders, including civil society organizations and refugee representatives, to ensure that the law is drafted in accordance with international standards.
- A demand for the European Union and the international community to apply pressure on the Egyptian authorities to implement necessary amendments and uphold refugees' rights as a condition of any partnerships or cooperation agreements with Egypt.
