Today, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates, delivered Egypt’s statement during the high-level segment of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council via a recorded message.
Minister Abdelatty expressed Egypt’s pride in commencing its membership in the Council and reaffirmed its firm commitment to promoting and protecting human rights at both the national and international levels.
During his speech, Minister Abdelatty noted that the current session is being held amid escalating international challenges, including regional conflicts and growing global polarization, which place the rules-based international order under an existential challenge.
Dr. Abdelatty stressed that the credibility of the human rights system requires the consistent and non-selective application of international law, and that respect for human rights constitutes a fundamental pillar for achieving peace, stability, and development.
Regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip, the Minister referred to Egypt’s hosting of the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit last October, which concluded an end to the aggression on the Strip. Dr. Abdelatty emphasized the importance of concerted efforts to ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance and to accelerate early recovery and reconstruction projects. He reiterated the necessity of halting the ongoing grave violations against the Palestinian people, including in the West Bank.
Minister Abdelatty further underscored the significance of maintaining the Human Rights Council as a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of expertise, away from politicization and polarization, in order to enhance its ability to carry out its mandate efficiently and objectively.
Dr. Abdelatty reviewed Egypt’s national experience in promoting human rights, in line with the directives of H.E. the President of the Republic, through developing institutional and legislative frameworks, consolidating the principles of citizenship and non-discrimination. These are in addition to the openness to dialogue and positive interaction with international and regional mechanisms, primarily the Universal Periodic Review, to support the implementation of the National Strategy for Human Rights and the preparation of the second strategy.
Minister Abdelatty further highlighted the integrated initiatives implemented by the Egyptian government to promote economic, social, and cultural rights, prioritizing women, youth, children, and persons with disabilities, as well as the launch of a National Dialogue and the activation of the Presidential Pardon Committee.
The Minister concluded by emphasizing the close interconnection between human rights and the right to development, referring to the structural challenges facing many developing countries. He stressed the importance of supporting the capacity-building of states and their national institutions and continuing constructive cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. He also reiterated the need to restore balance to the Council’s work and to address human rights from a comprehensive and objective perspective.
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