EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF AUTHORITARIAN REGIME REPRESSION ON THE OPERATIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS IN EGYPT

Abstract

This thesis investigates the repressive actions of the Egyptian government under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi towards civil society organizations (CSOs) from 2013 to 2023, with a focus on understanding why some organizations face heightened repression or closure while others do not. Using a comparative case study approach, the research examines three CSOs: the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), the Al-Nadeem Centre for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture, and the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR). While all three engage in similar human rights advocacy, the study finds that ANHRI, due to its high level of internationalization and success in publicizing government abuses, faced the most severe repression and eventual closure. In contrast, the Al-Nadeem Centre, despite initially being targeted, continued operating after its physical clinic was closed due to its reduced international profile and publicizing capacity. The EIPR, despite ongoing international relevance, has been rendered less effective at raising awareness following the exile and travel ban of its founding director. The study argues that regimes prioritize repression of organizations that are both internationally connected and capable of publicizing abuses, as these organizations pose a greater threat to the regime’s image. This research fills a gap in the literature by offering a framework to explain why certain CSOs are seen as greater threats and face more intense repression. Through qualitative analysis of human rights reports and interviews with subject matter experts, the thesis concludes that international attention and the ability to publicize state repression are critical factors determining the level of government retaliation. The study advocates for stronger international pressure to protect the shrinking civic space in authoritarian regimes, ensuring the continued work of human rights organizations.