Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty speaks in a recorded speech during to the high-level segment of the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Photo courtesy of Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This was part of Egypt’s address at the high-level segment of the 58th session of the UNHRC in Geneva, held from 24 February to 4 April.
Abdelatty highlighted several key steps taken to reinforce Egypt’s human rights framework, including the activation of the Presidential Pardon Committee, the launch of the National Dialogue, and the introduction of new legislative reforms, notably the draft Criminal Procedures Law.
He also emphasized Egypt’s efforts to advance human rights alongside initiatives to strengthen economic, social, and cultural rights, highlighting programmes focused on protecting women, youth, children, the elderly, and individuals with special needs.
Furthermore, Egypt’s top diplomat reiterated Cairo’s commitment to engaging with the Human Rights Council (HRC) through dialogue based on mutual respect and recognition of diverse challenges.
This cooperation was evidenced by Egypt’s submission of its fourth report under the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, which was formally discussed by the council in January, he added.
The Palestinian cause
During his address, Egypt's top diplomat emphasized the critical global context of the current HRC session, highlighting the worsening humanitarian crises worldwide.
He stressed the necessity for the HRC to uphold its responsibilities in addressing the plight of the Palestinian people, highlighting the unprecedented humanitarian crisis facing Gaza’s citizens.
He also reaffirmed Egypt’s unequivocal rejection of any forced displacement of the Palestinian people from their historical land.
Furthermore, he underscored Cairo’s ongoing efforts to solidify a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, ensure the phased implementation of its terms, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Abdelatty also highlighted Egypt’s support for early recovery efforts and the development of a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of Gaza — while ensuring that its native people remain on their land.
Cairo will host an emergency Arab Summit on 4 March to discuss what it described as "the serious developments in the Palestinian cause" and to counter U.S. President Donald Trump's recent proposals to seize control of Gaza and forcibly re-locate Palestinians to Egypt, Jordan, and other Arab and Muslim nations.
Egypt, Jordan, the Palestinians, and other Arab countries have unanimously rejected Trump's proposals, instead calling for international recognition of a Palestinian state based on the two-state solution.
Additionally, Abdelatty commended the vital role played by humanitarian organizations, particularly the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), emphasizing that its role remains indispensable.
Egypt has consistently rejected any alternatives to the agency and condemned Israeli laws that hinder its operations.
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