The UN review of Egypt’s human rights record revealed a pressing need for the government to implement over 370 recommendations from 137 countries, addressing major issues like arbitrary detention, lack of access to education, and health care amid ongoing repression. Despite claims of progress, the country continues to face serious human rights abuses, with systematic detentions of critics, increased executions, and significant economic hardships affecting citizens’ rights. Although the Egyptian government is urged to show commitment, substantial reforms are needed for real change.
In a recent UN assessment of Egypt’s human rights record, the Egyptian government is urged to accept and implement over 370 recommendations made by 137 countries. The recommendations address critical issues like torture, arbitrary detention of human rights defenders, and the need for access to education and health care amidst a pervasive climate of repression. Human Rights Watch emphasizes that superficial public relations efforts will not alleviate the ongoing human rights crisis in the country.
Furthermore, the ongoing review reveals that despite some promises from the Egyptian authorities, real progress on human rights has been minimal since the last review in 2019. Human Rights Watch contends that systemic detentions and abuses continue against peaceful critics and journalists, while poverty and economic hardship further impede citizens’ rights to food, education, and health care. The urgency of the situation has been compounded by an increase in death sentences and executions, which frequently arise from unfair mass trials.
During the review session, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty claimed impressive progress in human rights, but reports indicate an escalation in repression in the lead-up to the review. Notably, Hossam Bahgat, a prominent human rights defender, faces terrorism-related charges recently leveled against him by the authorities. The government continues to target activists and their families, employing vague charges particularly against the LGBT community and social media users.
International responses to Egypt’s human rights situation have emerged from several countries, including the United Kingdom and Luxembourg, as they advocate for the release of wrongfully detained human rights defenders. Concerns were raised regarding the draft Criminal Procedural Code, hastily put forth in Parliament, which remains inconsistent with Egypt’s international obligations. The government has a deadline until June to indicate its commitment to implement the proposed recommendations.
Human Rights Watch calls for the Egyptian authorities to demonstrate their commitment towards improving the human rights landscape by releasing unjustly detained individuals and reforming problematic legislation. The international community is encouraged to continue advocating for accountability and implementing the recommended reforms through various diplomatic channels.
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) conducted by the United Nations serves as a vital mechanism for assessing the human rights practices of member states, including Egypt. This review provides a platform for countries to present their human rights records and receive constructive feedback from other nations. Since its establishment in 2006, the UPR has become a critical tool in promoting accountability and transparency in human rights. Egypt’s recent review, occurring in January 2025, highlights ongoing systemic issues within the country’s approach to human rights, notably under the government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has faced criticism for exacerbating conditions for dissent and freedoms.
The recent UN review underscores significant human rights challenges faced by Egypt, including arbitrary detentions, torture, and the suppression of dissent. Human Rights Watch urges the government to act upon the comprehensive recommendations issued during the review, emphasizing that genuine advancements require political will rather than mere financial investments. The international community’s role in holding the Egyptian authorities accountable remains pivotal as the country grapples with an entrenched human rights crisis.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
