A/HRC/57/60 48. On 27 June 2024, the Government responded to the note verbale sent in connection to the present report noting that armed groups operating in the North Kivu region, notably the M23, are the ones responsible for the human rights violations in this part of the country. The Government noted that it considers the cases above as samples bearing witness to violations committed by the M23. 8. Egypt 49. On 20 March 2024, mandate holders addressed allegations of terrorism charges and arrest warrants against lawyers Mr. Mahmoud Mohamed Abdelmajeed and Mr. Mohamed Issa Rajeh in connection with their role assisting victims of human rights violations to avail themselves of the procedures established under the auspices of the United Nations for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms (EGY 1/2024). 50. Mr. Abdelmajeed and Mr. Rajeh work as lawyers with the non-governmental organization Egyptian Front for Human Rights (EFHR), a human rights organisation documenting human rights violations, providing legal and other assistance to political detainees, and carrying out international human rights advocacy relating to Egypt including with the United Nations human rights mechanisms. Both Mr. Abdelmajeed and Mr. Rajeh are based abroad (EGY 1/2024). 51. In June 2023, Mr. Abdelmajeed and Mr. Rajeh were reportedly informed that they had been included in the Supreme State Security Case no.1233/2023 and charged with joining and funding a terrorist group by providing that group with information about political detainees in Egypt. The State Security Prosecution allegedly issued an arrest warrant against them, but they were not officially informed about it. Their lawyers have not been able to access their clients’ files or charge sheet at the time of writing (EGY 1/2024). 9. France 52. On 24 January 2024, special procedures mandate holders addressed issues related to the enjoyment of the rights to safe drinking water and sanitation in the French overseas department of Guadeloupe, including allegations of intimidation and pressure against civil society actors in connection with the academic visit of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation to Guadeloupe from 27 to 29 November 2023 (FRA 1/2024). Names and details of those concerned are withheld for fear of further reprisals. 53. Mandate holders expressed concern at reports received of censorship to silence critical voices during this academic visit of the Special Rapporteur, including of human rights defenders, whistle-blowers, and scientists. They referred to the last-minute cancelation of a lecture the Special Rapporteur had been invited to deliver on 29 November 2023 at the Antilles University due to alleged pressure “at the highest level.” Some individuals reportedly feared losing their jobs if they collaborated with the Special Rapporteur (FRA 1/2024). On 28 March 2024, mandate holders expressed concerns publicly 16 that civil society organisations, human rights defenders and other actors who had been active on the rights to safe drinking water in Guadeloupe had been put under pressure and intimidated. 54. On 25 March 2024, the Government responded to mandate holders addressing the questions put forward, including the allegations of reprisals in relation to the academic visit of the Special Rapporteur. The Government noted that the Special Rapporteur had informed the country about his plans to visit Guadeloupe, that it was not an official visit and that he had been invited by the Antilles University. It further noted that he had been able to meet with relevant local authorities and services about the problems related to water in Guadeloupe. In relation to the cancellation of the lecture, the Government stated that it seemed that the university had not been informed by the organizers of the holding of this lecture, which compromised its organisation on the premises. The Government stated that it attached great importance to the work of Special Procedures, and it would continue to 16 GE.24-14259 https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/03/un-experts-urge-france-guarantee-safe-drinkingwater-guadeloupe. 25