ICC Note: The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights is concerned with the increasing attacks against Christians in the Minya governate of Egypt. More concerning is the official approach to resolve the sectarian tensions through customary reconciliation sessions. It is imperative that the Egyptian government create legislation that protects the status and building rights of Christian groups in the country, specifically in regards to church buildings. These instances cannot continue.

07/22/2016 Egypt (EIPR):  The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights is extremely concerned with the increasing frequency of sectarian violence in the Minya governorate, which has been the scene of attacks and the burning of Copts’ homes in several towns. We also caution against the official approach , which deal mainly with these violations through customary reconciliation sessions: an instrument that only serves to perpetuate tensions and creates a climate in which any dispute between citizens is liable to escalate into sectarian violence and collective punishment. It also strengthens the belief among some citizens that they have the right to dictate the practice of religious rites by other citizens.

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The EIPR has documented 77 incidents of sectarian violence and tension in Minya since January 25, 2011, including ten incidents since January 2016. This figure does not include the violence and attacks on churches, religious structures, schools, civic associations, and private property owned by Copts from August 14 to 17 following the violent crack down on the sit-ins of the supporters of the deposed President Mohamed Morsi at Rabia al-Adawiya and Nahda Squares, which were reprisals for protests by Egyptians and the removal of President Mohammed Morsi.

“The government has failed to deal with the issue of Christian-Muslim relations and sectarian attacks due to the dominance of a purely security mentality,” said Ishak Ibrahim, an EIPR researcher. “Problems are viewed as isolated incidents and the most needed comprehensive vision of causes, manifestations, or solutions is simply absent. Solutions are typically short sighted, and often unlawful.”

He added, “In some cases, despite the deployment of security forces on the scene, attacks have taken place and reinforcements arrive late.”

The EIPR affirms the importance of clear directives by state institutions to enforce the law in criminal incidents. The security apparatus and Public Prosecution are obligated to arrest persons involved and those inciting to sectarian violence and to question them as a prelude to prosecution.

The EIPR demands that immediate steps be taken to legalize the status of churches and existing church buildings where worship services are held without a permit. The law on the construction of churches and affiliated buildings, scheduled to be put to the House of Representatives, should be the subject of serious social debate. Religious institutions and civil society organizations must be given the opportunity to actively engage with the terms of the law and its implementing regulations, to ensure that the law as issued includes objective, fair rules and conditions that meet the needs of various sectors of the citizenry.

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