The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has submitted a written statement to the United Nations Human Rights Council during its 61st session under Agenda Item 3, addressing patterns of discrimination and serious human rights violations affecting minority communities in Egypt and Sudan in the context of the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on minority issues scheduled to take place on 17 March.
In its submission, CFJ highlights the situation of minority and indigenous communities in Egypt, particularly Bedouin communities in North Sinai, who have faced years of violations linked to counter-terrorism operations. These include arbitrary arrest, enforced disappearance, torture, prolonged incommunicado detention, and unfair trials. The statement also raises concerns regarding large-scale forced displacement in North Sinai since 2014 following demolitions and military operations that destroyed homes, livelihoods, and essential infrastructure.
The statement further addresses the situation in Sudan, particularly the violence targeting ethnic minority communities in the Darfur region since the outbreak of armed conflict in April 2023. Communities such as the Masalit, Fur, and Zaghawa have reportedly been subjected to killings, destruction of villages, and forced displacement, forcing many to flee to neighboring Chad where they face severe humanitarian conditions.
CFJ emphasizes that minority communities in both Egypt and Sudan continue to face structural discrimination, barriers to justice, and a lack of accountability for serious violations. The organization calls on the Human Rights Council and the Special Rapporteur on minority issues to maintain sustained attention to these patterns and to support measures that ensure protection, accountability, and meaningful participation of minority communities.
Skip to PDF content
