THE Egyptian parliament has approved a law severely limiting the rights of non-governmental organisations despite fierce opposition from human rights groups. The legislation on associations and private institutions passed late on Wednesday with no amendments to any of its 75 articles, including one that bans NGOs from carrying out ”political, union or military activity that can threaten national unity.” Another article that triggered the ire of activists said NGOs must seek government authorisation before getting funds from abroad. Human rights activists threatened over the weekend to launch a campaign of ”civil disobedience” if the law is approved.