Human rights developments in five years since ‘Arab Spring’ uprisings
Five years ago, on 17 December 2010, Mohamed Bouazizi, an impoverished young street trader, set himself alight in a desperate act of protest against the repressive government of Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali in Tunisia. Although he never knew it – he died of his burns 18 days later – Mohamed Bouazizi’s act led to an unprecedented outburst of popular protests and demands for reform that began in Tunisia then spread within weeks to engulf Egypt, Bahrain and a host of other predominantly Arab states. First Ben Ali, then Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, were swept from power by protesters who swarmed onto the streets apparently undaunted by the violence that government security forces unleashed against them. As the protests spread to Yemen, Bahrain, Libya, Syria and other countries, it appeared that a seismic political shift was taking place across the Arab region that would see its governments forced by their citizenry, including members of non-Arab minorities, to adopt far-reaching reforms as the price for retaining power. Many dared to hope that the “Arab Spring”, as it became known, would lead to real change in the relationship between the rulers and those they ruled – greater power-sharing, social justice, transparency, tolerance, accountability, and greater respect for human rights. This document provides an overview of human rights developments in the countries where there were uprisings some five years ago.
Bahrain
Egypt
Libya
Many armed groups pursuing their own agendas, including some affiliated to the Islamic State armed group, have exploited the lack of central state authority and the breakdown in state institutions and the criminal justice system, to extend and consolidate their control over particular cities. All sides have abducted hundreds of civilians based on their origin and affiliation, often holding them as hostages, and tortured or summarily killed those who oppose them. Tens of thousands of migrants and refugees who reside in or transit via Libya towards Europe, continue to face serious abuses. The conflicts have seen a drastic deterioration of the humanitarian situation, leaving some 2.5 million people in need of humanitarian protection and assistance. In July 2015, a Tripoli court sentenced Saif al-Islam al-Gaddafi and eight former officials to death, and others to long prison terms, after convicting them of committing crimes during the 2011 uprising and conflict in a trial marred by serious due process violations and deficiencies. The court tried Saif al-Islam al-Gaddafi in his absence, as the armed militia detaining him failed to transfer him to Tripoli, and despite an International Criminal Court ruling that he should face trial outside Libya.
Syria
Tunisia
Yet, the situation remains fragile, particularly following a series of attacks by armed groups who have targeted tourists in Tunis and Sousse, and others directed against members of the security forces. The government declared a state of emergency for the second time this year in November after the latest lethal attack that killed and injured members of the security forces in the heart of Tunis. Hundreds were placed in house arrest or detained amid concerns that the authorities were abusing emergency measures. In response to the threat posed by armed groups, the government enacted a draconian new counter-terrorism law in July that threatens freedom of expression, including independent media reporting; significantly increased security forces’ arrest and detention powers, and the risk of torture by extending the length of incommunicado pre-charge detention to 15 days; and undermined fair trial rights. Reforms of the security sector have been limited and inadequate. Torture and other ill-treatment, especially in pre-trial detention, as well as the excessive and unnecessary use of force during demonstrations, remain an issue. Assaults by security forces on protesters and journalists, and allegations of torture have not been conclusively investigated. Very little action is taken by judges and prosecutors to hold members of the security forces to account, and people are increasingly scared to report human rights abuses. Laws that place undue restrictions on freedom of expression remain in force, and the authorities have prosecuted critics, especially those vocal about security forces, on defamation or “indecency” charges.
Yemen
View latest press releases