UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF ‘VERY CONCERNED’ BY EGYPT’S CONVICTION OF NGO WORKERS

From: UNNews <UNNews@un.org>
Date: 7 Jun 2013 12:00:01 -0400
Subject: UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF 'VERY CONCERNED' BY EGYPT'S CONVICTION
OF NGO WORKERS
To: news11@ny-mail-p-lb-028.ptc.un.org

UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF 'VERY CONCERNED' BY EGYPT'S CONVICTION OF NGO
WORKERSNew York, Jun 7 2013 12:00PMThe head of the United Nations
human rights office is closely following the case of 43
non-governmental organization (NGO) workers in Egypt who were
convicted, the majority of them sentenced in absentia, her
spokesperson today said.

High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay "is very concerned
about this verdict. We understand that the defendants are appealing,
and we will continue to follow the case closely," the spokesperson for
the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Rupert
Colville, <"http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=13424&LangID=E">told
journalists in Geneva.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon yesterday said in a
<"http://www.un.org/sg/statements/index.asp?nid=6877">statement that
the conviction and sentencing of a number of local and foreign
employees of international non-governmental organizations (NGO) is a
sign of "an increasingly restrictive environment" for civil society in
the country.

The Cairo Criminal Court four 43 NGO workers guilty on 4 June based on
an article of the penal Code which dates back to the days of President
Hosni Mubarak who stepped down from power two years ago in the wake of
mass protests similar to those seen in other parts of the Middle East
and North Africa as part of the "Arab Spring."

OHCHR said the article used to convict the NGO workers is "vaguely
worded" and has often been interpreted in ways that have led to the
severe limitations of the rights to freedom of association.

"Provisions regulating the right to association should be interpreted
and implemented in conformity with the relevant international
jurisprudence," OHCHR spokesperson, Rupert Colville, told journalists
in Geneva.

He added that restrictions should only be imposed in line with
international human rights obligations, especially Article 22 of the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which was
ratified by Egypt in 1982.

Article 22 stipulates that "everyone shall have the right to freedom
of association with others, including the right to form and join trade
unions for the protection of his interests."

The verdict comes as Egypt's legislation is discussing a new draft law
on associations.

Mr. Ban had said that any new draft law on associations "should
conform to international human rights standards, and respond to the
aspirations of the people."

"The Secretary-General reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations
to work alongside the Government and the people of Egypt in support of
the country's democratic transition, development and prosperity," the
statement added.Jun 7 2013 12:00PM

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

Follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/UN.News.Centre) and
Twitter (http://twitter.com/ptusss


President of The United States
Guy Ralph Perea Sr President of The United States
Weatherdata1046am0426 a Discussion Group of
Weatherdata<http://groups.google.com/group/weatherdata1046am0426>
USFMSC
http://www.cityfreq.com/ca/avalon/>
QUALIFY QICP
OCCUPS
http://www.occupationalinfo.org/02/025062010.html
goldlandabstracts; link check
own search engine - The United
States International Policies
http://apps.facebook.com/faceblogged/?uid=1340855784
http://lnk.ms/8d5gl aol
http://groups.google.com/group/united-states-of-american
http://twitter.com/ptusss Federal Communication
Commission<http://columbiabroadcast.spaces.live.com/>

Ambassador Chevy Chase; Kevin Corcran; Jack Nickolas; Cher; Shirley Temple
Black; Liza Minnille; Ansari; Ernest Tascoe; Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act
Agent Jodie Foster; Department of Veterans Affairs Director George H.W. Bush
Title 22 USCS section 1928 (b) The e-mail
transmission may contain legally privileged information that
is intended only for the individual or entity recipient, you are hereby,
notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or reliance upon the
contents of this E-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
E-mail transmission in error, please reply to the sender, so arrangements
can be made for proper delivery. Title 42
USCS section 192 etseq Margie Paxton Chief of Childrens Bureau
Director of The United States Department of Human Services; Defendant
Article IV General Provisions Section 2
(Supreme Law of The Land) The Constitution of The United States "Any thing
in The Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary Notwithstanding"
Contrary to Law (of an act or omission) illegal;
https://twitter.com/presidentus1