From September 23 to 25, 2024, a delegation from the Euro-Mediterranean Federation against Enforced Disappearances (FEMED) travelled to Geneva for an advocacy mission. The purpose of the trip was to draw the attention of the United Nations and international experts to human rights violations, particularly enforced disappearances, in Egypt and Morocco.
Meetings and exchanges :
- Advocacy with the Special Rapporteur on Truth, Justice and Reparation
The delegation reported on the lack of independent justice in Morocco, highlighting the limitations of the Instance Equité et Réconciliation (IER). The IER report, although seminal, has not resolved all the cases of enforced disappearance. Moreover, Egypt remains a country of concern, with extrajudicial executions and cases of enforced disappearance. The Special Rapporteur's mandate is to examine the situation in the light of the international mechanisms available. - Discussion with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly
Vanessa Asensio Pérez, representative of the Rapporteur, encouraged FEMED to submit documented cases, insisting on accurate reporting. An invitation to visit Egypt has been extended, but remains unanswered. - Support from the Swiss Permanent Mission
The delegation asked Switzerland to intervene in the case of Ibrahim Metwally, an Egyptian lawyer who has been arrested and detained for five years. He was intercepted at the airport on his way to a meeting with the United Nations Working Group on Enforced Disappearances. Switzerland has also been asked to support the establishment of a truth-telling mechanism in Morocco. - Meeting with the Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders
The case of Ibrahim Metwally, as well as pressure on journalists in Morocco, were discussed with the Rapporteur's team. Communication strategies were discussed, including the publication of targeted press releases and social networking campaigns to mobilize public opinion. - Dialogue with the Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED)
The delegation took part in a public session with experts from the Committee on Enforced Disappearances, highlighting the failure of transitional justice mechanisms in Morocco. The representatives expressed concern about the impunity of those responsible for serious human rights violations, who still hold positions of power. - Meeting with the Secretariat of the Human Rights Council (HRC)
FEMED highlighted the need for better cooperation between NGOs and UN offices, raising communication difficulties. The HRC Secretariat recommended that FEMED take an active part in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.
Mission results :
This advocacy mission strengthened FEMED's ties with several UN bodies, while highlighting concrete cases of human rights violations in Egypt and Morocco. FEMED also received strategic advice on how to maximize the impact of its advocacy through media campaigns and submissions to international mechanisms.
FEMED continues to work for justice and truth in the Euro-Mediterranean region, supporting the families of the disappeared and calling for an end to impunity.