International Society of Oriental Christians e.V.
Madame Chair, the International Society of Oriental Christians calls for the enforceability of
rights guaranteed under the UN Charter for all people suffering from Sharia-based
repression, particularly in Egypt, a state that fails to protect all citizens equally, becoming a
barrier and leaving minorities, such as Copts and other non-Islamic communities, exposed
to discrimination, violence, and systematic injustice. In Egypt, perpetrators are frequently
acquitted or never held accountable, denying minorities effective legal protection. Our goal
is the sustainable protection of Oriental Christianity as a vital part of world cultural heritage
and peaceful coexistence in the Middle East, urgently needed. Christians in Egypt, Syria,
Iraq, and Lebanon continue to face existential threats from [inaudible] and ongoing
genocide. The UN Charter guarantees freedom of all religion, Article 18: the right to life and
security, Article 3: protection from degrading treatment, Article 5 affirms equality before the
law regardless of gender or faith. Yet, Article 2 of Egypt’s Constitution makes the Koran the
supreme source of legality, which contradicts these principles, and restricts genuine
religious freedom, especially for individuals wishing to convert from Islam to Christianity.
Forced Islamization of women and girls, discrimination, and the absence of the rule of law
violate fundamental civil liberties, resulting in injustice against Copts, abductions, attacks
against homes, exclusion from public office, discriminatory laws, and the involvement of
[inaudible] [CUT OFF BY CHAIR]