The National Executive of the National Union of Students, a confederation of 600 student unions across the UK, passed a resolution yesterday, 20 February, condemning the repression in Egypt. The resolution mandates the NUS to work with other education unions and MENA Solidarity Network around a broad-based solidarity initiative in defence of Egyptians under threat from the military regime.

Amy Gilligan who proposed the motion, told Egypt Solidarity:

“I’m pleased that this motion had widespread support from members of the National Union of Students National Executive Council. The struggles by people in Egypt over the last 3 years have been an inspiration internationally to those fighting for social justice. Showing our solidarity with those struggling in Egypt is crucial, particularly when they are facing such severe repression from the military and security forces.”

Motion 1: Solidarity with Egyptian activists and students
Proposed by: Amy Gilligan
Seconded by: James McAsh, Edmund Schluessel

NEC Believes:
1. There is a far-reaching assault on human rights currently underway in Egypt, three years after the uprising which toppled Mubarak. According to Amnesty International the Egyptian military and security forces have killed around 1,400 people and detained thousands since July 2013.
2. Students in Egypt are among those facing repression by the military and security forces. University campuses have been repeatedly invaded by riot police, who have shot dead students in an attempt to crush ongoing protests against the military regime. Over 500 students have been arrested since July 2013, and many have received harsh jail terms, some as long as 17 years. Academics have also been
targeted: large numbers of alleged supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood have been sacked or arrested.

NEC Resolves:
1. To call for
a. immediate and unconditional release of those imprisoned for exercising rights to freedom of expression and of assembly;
b. independent investigation into state violence and criminality, including assaults on those exercising any of the rights and freedoms above;
c. an immediate end to trials of civilians in military and State Security courts
2. To work with MENA Solidarity Network and the campus trade unions (UCU, Unison and Unite) to establish a broad-based solidarity initiative to defend Egyptians under threat from the military regime by
a. circulating solidarity appeals and information about the campaign to our members and encouraging them to participate in solidarity action
b. writing to the Egyptian authorities condemning the military repression
c. writing to the UK government calling for the immediate suspension of all financial, military or other support to the Egyptian authorities which may be used to violate the rights of Egyptian citizens. In particular, we demand immediate cessation of all sales and transfers to the Egyptian government of weapons, ammunition, vehicles, cyber-surveillance technology and other materials for use against those who exercise their right to protest.