Cairo — A coalition of human rights organisations has called on the Egyptian government to urgently halt what they describe as a disturbing rise in violations against members of the Baha’i faith.
In a joint statement released this week, the groups accused state institutions and local authorities of systematically marginalising Baha’is through discriminatory policies, harassment, and the denial of basic civil rights. Reports highlight challenges ranging from restrictions on the recognition of marriages and inheritance rights, to exclusion from government-issued identification systems.
“Egypt cannot continue to ignore the plight of its Baha’i citizens while claiming to uphold constitutional guarantees of religious freedom,” the organisations warned. They further urged Cairo to align with international human rights standards and end what they labelled a “state-enabled cycle of persecution.”
Baha’is, who form a small religious minority in Egypt, have long been subjected to social and institutional discrimination. While the constitution recognises Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, the Baha’i faith is not officially acknowledged, leaving its adherents in legal limbo.
Activists insist that the issue is not one of theology but of fundamental rights. “We are calling for equal treatment under the law nothing more, nothing less,” said one human rights advocate.
The appeal comes amid growing international scrutiny of Egypt’s human rights record, with the Baha’i question emerging as a litmus test for the country’s commitment to pluralism and justice.
