WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) reveals that Egypt continues to enforce laws and policies that systematically repress non-Muslim religious communities, despite selective government initiatives promoting religious diversity. The findings, detailed in the 2025 Egypt Country Update, highlight ongoing violations of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for Coptic Christians, Jews, Baha’is, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Qur’anists.
The report, published on February 25, 2025, acknowledges Egypt’s efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and tolerance in some contexts, such as restoring historic synagogues and churches. However, it emphasizes that these initiatives are overshadowed by discriminatory legal frameworks and state-backed practices that marginalize religious minorities.
Key Findings:
- Legal Restrictions: Egypt’s constitution recognizes only Islam, Christianity, and Judaism as state-sanctioned religions, denying legal status to Baha’is, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Qur’anists. This exclusion complicates access to national identity cards, marriage rights, and property ownership.
- Coptic Christians: Copts, who make up 10–15% of Egypt’s population, face persistent barriers to constructing and repairing churches under restrictive 2016 regulations. The report cites instances of forced displacement and violence against Coptic communities, often met with inadequate government response.
- Blasphemy Laws: Authorities frequently use blasphemy charges to target religious minorities and dissenters. In 2024, at least 17 individuals were arrested under these laws, including social media users criticizing religious institutions.
- Baha’is and Jehovah’s Witnesses: These groups remain unrecognized, leaving members vulnerable to harassment, arbitrary detention, and denial of civil rights.
USCIRF’s Concerns:
The commission criticized Egypt’s “contradictory approach” to religious freedom, noting that state-sponsored interfaith events coexist with systemic repression. USCIRF Chair David Curry stated, “Egypt’s government cannot claim progress on religious tolerance while enforcing policies that criminalize the existence of entire faith communities.”
Government Response and International Pressure:
While Egypt has taken steps to address sectarian violence, such as prosecuting perpetrators of anti-Christian attacks, the report argues these measures are insufficient. USCIRF urges the U.S. government to press Egyptian authorities to repeal blasphemy laws, grant legal recognition to all religious groups, and ensure equal protection under the law.
Egyptian officials have previously dismissed similar criticisms, asserting their commitment to protecting religious rights. However, activists argue that reforms remain superficial, failing to address deep-rooted discrimination.
Broader Implications:
The report underscores the challenges facing religious minorities in a country where Islam is the state religion and religious institutions are tightly controlled. USCIRF warns that without meaningful legal reforms, Egypt risks further alienating its diverse religious communities and undermining social cohesion.
As international scrutiny intensifies, advocates call for sustained diplomatic engagement to hold Egypt accountable for upholding universal human rights standards. For now, the plight of Egypt’s religious minorities remains a stark reminder of the gap between policy and practice in the pursuit of religious freedom.