Fourteen Egyptian human rights organizations on Wednesday called on the government to form an independent committee that includes minority groups that suffer discrimination as well as representatives from rights groups, to monitor how the government deals with sectarian crises.
The groups asked for minorities such as Copts, Bahais, Nubians and Bedouins to be included.
Observers say some state organs fuel tensions among these groups, citing weak Coptic representation in parliament, for example, which fuels anger toward the Muslim majority. In addition, Sinai Bedouins complain of marginalization.
State organs, observers say, practice discrimination against those who have beliefs different from Egypt's recognized religions (Islam, Christianity and Judaism), as Egyptian authorities refuse to recognize those of the Bahai faith.
The Independent Human Rights Organization Forum said in a statement that it sent a memorandum to Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif proposing the formation of an independent minorities committee to be affiliated with the cabinet.
The statement said the memorandum aimed to stimulate official efforts to resolve sectarian crises through eliminating discrimination and respecting religious freedom.
The committee would, among other things, assess governmental commitment toward ensuring the building and renovation of places of worship on an equal basis, as well as equality in appointment to senior posts in government agencies.
The forum's statement also highlighted the necessity of setting a limit on security interventions concerning freedom of belief, and emphasized the government's responsibility to protect its citizens when practicing their religion, as well as to deal with religious converts transparently.
