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Gender & Sexuality
The National Council for Human Rights visited al-Qanater women’s prison after allegations of rape and abuse of female prisoners emerged. According to the NCHR, no female prisoners were subjected to any kind of rape, but were physically by other inmates and prison warders. The National Council for Women has also made public statements denying the allegations of rape in prisons. [Ahram, Shorouk] Read More…
Rights & Freedoms
A group of twenty-nine NGOs have issued a statement rejecting the new bill that allows government regulation and interference in NGO affairs, claiming the bill impinges on their constitutional rights. “The bill is a [blatant] violation of the constitution and Egypt’s international commitments,” said the statement. Among the signatories are the AFTE, EIPR, al-Nadeem Center, and ANHRI. [Daily News Egypt] Read More…
Economy
Egypt experienced a 21% decline in tourist numbers in the month of May, compared to May of last year. The tourism ministry said that the number dropped from 969,108 visitors last May to 768,221 tourists this May. The largest portion of tourists came from Europe, while tourism coming from the Middle East dropped 42%. [Ahram] Read More…
Security Sector
A roadside bomb near El-Arish in North Sinai killed an Egyptian soldier when it exploded near an armoured vehicle, according to security officials. Four other soldiers were also wounded in the attack, and no other information was provided on suspects at this time. [Ahram]
Foreign Relations
The United Nations has called upon Egypt and other regional leaders to help broker a return to the November 2012 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestine–particularly referring to the violence that has resulted in several casualties on both sides recently. President Sisi has opened up a portion of the Rafah crossing on the border of Gaza to allow Palestinians to cross over to receive medical attention, however, he said he will not intervene in the conflict unless it becomes a matter of Egyptian national security. [Ahram, Daily News Egypt, Daily Star Lebanon, NYT]
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Gender & Sexuality
Sexual Violence and Resistance: Exploring causes, culture, and the future of the anti-harassment movement
In this article: This essay by Hind Ahmad Zaki and Dalia abd alHamid analyzes the meaning so sexual violence and its different manifestations in society, as well as the cultural “turning points”. The essay goes on to explore the different efforts undertaken by various groups to resist sexual violence. They note, “Can we speak of a link between the rate of these crimes and the emergence and growth of a culture that encourages sexual violence by giving offenders de facto immunity? Is there a link between the daily violence women experience and the planned, politically motivated violence seen in Tahrir Square more than once over the past two years? If so, is the role of the state here limited to its failure to take action and do its duty to deter such crimes? Or does its role go beyond that, rising to direct and indirect incitement of sexual violence? Answering these questions requires a quick review of the history of this phenomenon over the past few years, and an examination of the nature of the relationship between the rise of a culture of routinized sexual violence in society and the role of the state as direct or indirect facilitator and, at times, instigator of such violence.”
Rights & Freedoms
ANHRI and AlKarama highlight the latest forced disappearance of a young Egyptian student
ANHRI:Egypt: Enforced Disappearance of Ramadan Omar – When Will This Practice Disappear?
In this article: Last month, Egyptian police forces allegedly arrested and detained Ramadan Omar, a 20-year-old student who was visiting a relative at Abu Zaabel prison in Cairo. Omar is allegedly the latest victim of the oft-anonymous, forced disappearances of Egyptians by security forces. “To date, the authorities have continued to deny his detention, reinforcing his family’s concerns. With the ongoing context of impunity in Egypt, many fear that Ramadan will be tortured during his detention.”
Economy
Egypt has enough wheat to last six months–after purchase of approximately 10million tons of local and imported wheat
Ahram: Egypt’s supply ministry says has enough wheat to last for six months
In this article: The Egyptian supply ministry has noted that they have enough wheat to last for the next six months. The ministry spokesperson said, “”Through what we have purchased locally and our import contracts, we now have enough wheat to last until the beginning of next year.” Egypt has purchased 3.7million tons of local wheat, and imported 5.46million tons in the last fiscal year.
Affordable Hepatitis C drug to be offered in Egypt starting in September
Ahram: Egypt strikes agreement to acquire Hep C pills
In this article: The Egyptian government has struck a deal with Gilead Sciences pharmaceutical company to receive a shipment of the Hepatitis C drug called Sovaldi. The drug will be available in Egypt starting in September for a low price of 2,200 EGP, which is 1% of its market rate. Egypt has the highest prevalence of Hepatitis C in the word, and the army recently revealed it had a cure–which has not yet been shared with the public.