A/HRC/WGAD/2021/45
the Working Group calls upon the Government to take urgent action to ensure the immediate
release of Mr. El-Baker, Ms. El-Masry, Mr. Imam and Ms. Hassan.
112. The Working Group urges the Government to ensure a full and independent
investigation of the circumstances surrounding the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of Mr. ElBaker, Ms. El-Masry, Mr. Imam and Ms. Hassan and to take appropriate measures against
those responsible for the violation of their rights.
113. In accordance with paragraph 33 (a) of its methods of work, the Working Group refers
the present case to the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, the
Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, the Special Rapporteur on
the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering
terrorism and the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment, for appropriate action. The Working Group also refers the case of
Mr. El-Baker to the Coordination Committee of Special Procedures and to the Assistant
Secretary-General for Human Rights, to lead the efforts of the United Nations to put an end
to intimidation and reprisals against those cooperating with it on human rights-related
matters.
114. The Working Group requests the Government to disseminate the present opinion
through all available means and as widely as possible.
Follow-up procedure
115. In accordance with paragraph 20 of its methods of work, the Working Group requests
the source and the Government to provide it with information on action taken in follow-up
to the recommendations made in the present opinion, including:
(a)
Whether Mr. El-Baker, Ms. El-Masry, Mr. Imam and Ms. Hassan have been
released and, if so, on what date;
(b)
Whether compensation or other reparations have been made to Mr. El-Baker,
Ms. El-Masry, Mr. Imam and Ms. Hassan;
(c)
Whether an investigation has been conducted into the violation of the rights of
Mr. El-Baker, Ms. El-Masry, Mr. Imam and Ms. Hassan and, if so, the outcome of the
investigation;
(d)
Whether any legislative amendments or changes in practice have been made to
harmonize the laws and practices of Egypt with its international obligations in line with the
present opinion;
(e)
Whether any other action has been taken to implement the present opinion.
116. The Government is invited to inform the Working Group of any difficulties it may
have encountered in implementing the recommendations made in the present opinion and
whether further technical assistance is required, for example through a visit by the Working
Group.
117. The Working Group requests the source and the Government to provide the abovementioned information within six months of the date of transmission of the present opinion.
However, the Working Group reserves the right to take its own action in follow-up to the
opinion if new concerns in relation to the case are brought to its attention. Such action would
enable the Working Group to inform the Human Rights Council of progress made in
implementing its recommendations, as well as any failure to take action.
118. The Working Group recalls that the Human Rights Council has encouraged all States
to cooperate with the Working Group and has requested them to take account of its views
and, where necessary, to take appropriate steps to remedy the situation of persons arbitrarily
deprived of their liberty, and to inform the Working Group of the steps they have taken.13
[Adopted on 15 November 2021]
13
16
Human Rights Council resolution 42/22, paras. 3 and 7.