hear the voices

Egypt: Ahead of COP27, environmentalists say they’re being stifled, government says otherwise

By The Africa Report

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Posted on October 5, 2022 14:31

© Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi speaks during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, November 1, 2021. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool — Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi speaks during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, November 1, 2021. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool

Egypt has touted this year’s COP27 as the one for Africa, framing itself as the leader for developing countries, particularly on the continent, to ensure support for new adaptation projects are followed through. However, behind these actions, the voices of the environmental activists are being stifled. How successful can a UN Climate Change conference be without their voices?

Human Rights Watch released a statement in mid-September saying the Egyptian government has been curtailing the work of environmental groups in the country, which is essential to protecting Egypt’s environment.

“The Egyptian government has imposed arbitrary funding, research, and registration obstacles that have debilitated local environmental groups, forcing some activists into exile and others to steer clear of important work,” said Richard Pearshouse, the environment director at HRW.

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