The National Council for Human Rights declared that the forced displacement of Coptic families in Rafah is a threat to the state and against human rights.

“Aswat Masriya” received a copy of a statement that was issued by the council today that emphasizes that the council is following with deep concern the events that are unfolding in Sinai and the threats received by Copts in Rafah from outlaws, forcing Coptic families to leave their homes.

The council criticized the justifications adopted by some state agencies of the forced displacement that entails that the displacement is at the request of those families, saying that "the most basic responsibilities of the state is to protect its citizens from any threats and to guarantee their right to safe housing".

The council demanded security services and all state officials, including the Prime Minister to ensure that the Copts in Rafah continue to live in safety because if the state abandons this responsibility this will set a dangerous precedent in Egypt and brings us back to the era prior to the rule of law.

The council called on all parties, especially the political parties and civil society organizations as well as the media to address this dangerous phenomenon and to fight terrorism.

“This incident is not only against the most basic concepts of human rights only, but it is also considered a direct threat to the state, its cohesion, its integrity and the stability of the Egyptian society".