326th Session of the ILO Governing Body
Workers' Group Statement on the threat to Human and Trade Union Rights in Egypt
24 March 2016
On 4 February 2016 the lifeless body of Giulio Regeni, a 28-year-old Italian PhD student from Cambridge University, was found in Cairo. Giulio’s death was announced ten days after his disappearance in mysterious circumstances. His body was covered in cuts, bruises and scars, proof that he was a victim of torture.
Giulio Regeni was researching social development in Egypt, focusing in particular on different forms of freedom of expression and association, workers’ rights and the conditions under which independent organisations in the country operated.
All the evidence suggests that the research and interviews he was carrying out as well as the human rights activists he met were not to the Egyptian authorities’ liking. When his body was found, the principal national and international media published articles pointing the blame at the country’s security forces, noting in particular that the circumstances surrounding the death of Guilio Regeni were similar to many other cases in the country.
The disappearance and death of the young researcher in shadowy circumstances aroused strong feelings, and the indignation of all human rights organisations around the world.
The Workers Group, mindful of the fundamental nature of freedom of expression, as well as the pressing need to defend and protect the core values of freedom and democracy, is outraged at the disappearance and violent death of Giulio Regeni.
Our Group calls on the Egyptian Government to open an independent inquiry without delay into the death of Giulio so that those materially and intellectually responsible for this abhorrent crime can be identified and brought to trial.
The Workers Group expresses its heartfelt condolences to Giulio Regeni’s family, colleagues and friends, and to the Italian people. In addition to the death of Giulio Regeni in as yet unknown circumstances, there have been systematic attacks by the Labour Ministry against the independent trade union organisations, In his Review no.6 of this year, Major General Ihab Abdel Rahmnan, Ministerial Assistant in the Civil Status Authority, has just prohibited the recognition of independent trade union organisations in the country’s official structures. This ban means that independent trade unions cannot produce or publish any official document bearing their seal. It also means there will be no possibility of bargaining for these unions and leaves their leaders open to the risk of unfair dismissal, arrest and imprisonment, with serious consequences for their families’ living conditions.
The Workers’ Group recalls that this decision by the Labour Minister is a blatant violation of ILO Conventions 87 and 98, ratified by Egypt. It also contravenes article 76 of the 2014 Egyptian Constitution which stipulates that, and I quote: “The establishment of federations and syndicates on a democratic basis is a right guaranteed by law. Such federations and syndicates will possess legal personality, be able to practice their activities freely, contribute to improving the skills of their members, defend their rights and protect their interests. The State guarantees the independence of all federations and syndicates. The boards of directors thereof may only dissolved by a judicial ruling.” End of quote.
It is clear from the above that the decision of the Egyptian Labour Minister is at odds with both national and international law on the defence and protection of trade union rights.
The Workers’ Group asks the Director General to remind the Egyptian Government of the obligations it accepted voluntarily in ratifying Conventions 87 and 98 and to urge it to repeal the decision to ban independent organisations and to create conditions conducive to inclusive social dialogue involving all social partners.
Giulio Regeni was researching social development in Egypt, focusing in particular on different forms of freedom of expression and association, workers’ rights and the conditions under which independent organisations in the country operated.
All the evidence suggests that the research and interviews he was carrying out as well as the human rights activists he met were not to the Egyptian authorities’ liking. When his body was found, the principal national and international media published articles pointing the blame at the country’s security forces, noting in particular that the circumstances surrounding the death of Guilio Regeni were similar to many other cases in the country.
The disappearance and death of the young researcher in shadowy circumstances aroused strong feelings, and the indignation of all human rights organisations around the world.
The Workers Group, mindful of the fundamental nature of freedom of expression, as well as the pressing need to defend and protect the core values of freedom and democracy, is outraged at the disappearance and violent death of Giulio Regeni.
Our Group calls on the Egyptian Government to open an independent inquiry without delay into the death of Giulio so that those materially and intellectually responsible for this abhorrent crime can be identified and brought to trial.
The Workers Group expresses its heartfelt condolences to Giulio Regeni’s family, colleagues and friends, and to the Italian people. In addition to the death of Giulio Regeni in as yet unknown circumstances, there have been systematic attacks by the Labour Ministry against the independent trade union organisations, In his Review no.6 of this year, Major General Ihab Abdel Rahmnan, Ministerial Assistant in the Civil Status Authority, has just prohibited the recognition of independent trade union organisations in the country’s official structures. This ban means that independent trade unions cannot produce or publish any official document bearing their seal. It also means there will be no possibility of bargaining for these unions and leaves their leaders open to the risk of unfair dismissal, arrest and imprisonment, with serious consequences for their families’ living conditions.
The Workers’ Group recalls that this decision by the Labour Minister is a blatant violation of ILO Conventions 87 and 98, ratified by Egypt. It also contravenes article 76 of the 2014 Egyptian Constitution which stipulates that, and I quote: “The establishment of federations and syndicates on a democratic basis is a right guaranteed by law. Such federations and syndicates will possess legal personality, be able to practice their activities freely, contribute to improving the skills of their members, defend their rights and protect their interests. The State guarantees the independence of all federations and syndicates. The boards of directors thereof may only dissolved by a judicial ruling.” End of quote.
It is clear from the above that the decision of the Egyptian Labour Minister is at odds with both national and international law on the defence and protection of trade union rights.
The Workers’ Group asks the Director General to remind the Egyptian Government of the obligations it accepted voluntarily in ratifying Conventions 87 and 98 and to urge it to repeal the decision to ban independent organisations and to create conditions conducive to inclusive social dialogue involving all social partners.