Cairo: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty emphasized that human rights in Egypt cannot be managed through quick decisions or symbolic measures but require a cumulative and continued process involving all state institutions, supported by modern legislation such as the criminal procedure law. Speaking before the Human Rights Committee of the Senate, Abdelatty highlighted that Egypt’s approach to human rights aims to fulfill the aspirations of its people, not to satisfy external parties. He noted that President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s efforts are concentrated on serving Egyptian citizens.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdelatty remarked that the human rights agenda should be addressed through a comprehensive and balanced perspective, including both civil and political rights as well as economic and social rights. He warned against narrowing the concept to individual political freedoms and asserted that Egypt’s vision is inclusive and balanced, unlike some Western approaches. He pointed out that the launch of Egypt’s National Human Rights Strategy in 2021 was a voluntary, nationally-driven initiative intended for the benefit of citizens rather than a response to external pressure.

Abdelatty further explained that improving housing conditions and developing the justice system, including the new criminal procedure law, are essential components of human rights. He acknowledged that no country has achieved perfection in human rights, describing it as an area open to continuous improvement. Egypt plans to engage in broad societal dialogue while preparing the next phase of its strategy, incorporating input from both chambers of parliament. Abdelatty also reiterated Egypt’s rejection of politicizing human rights or using them to impose political agendas, stating that Cairo actively confronts such practices at the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, Abdelatty suggested, has highlighted inconsistencies in global human rights claims, emphasizing that no country should act as a guardian over others. He underscored the importance of respecting cultural and religious particularities when applying universal principles like freedom of expression, advocating for policies shaped through societal dialogue rather than imposition.

Abdelatty outlined steps taken in the human rights domain, including implementing the national strategy, preparing a new and more open framework, establishing rehabilitation and reform centers that meet international standards, and allowing foreign delegations to visit these facilities. He also mentioned the presidential pardon committee’s role in releasing many young detainees and lifting travel bans on those who meet legal conditions, including activist Alaa Abdel Fattah. Additionally, he highlighted the ‘Decent Life’ initiative as a significant shift focusing on rural development, which has caught the interest of Arab and African countries.

Senate Human Rights Committee Chairman Abdel Hadi el Qassabi noted the meeting included discussions on human rights at both domestic and international levels. Recent legislation addressing children’s rights, people with disabilities, the elderly, foreigners’ affairs, and criminal procedures were reviewed. He emphasized the need for continued coordination between the legislative and executive branches to support human rights efforts and tackle regional challenges.