Geneva: Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty stressed that the credibility of the international human rights system hinges on the consistent and non-selective application of international law, affirming that respect for human rights constitutes a fundamental pillar for achieving peace, stability, and development.
According to State Information Service Egypt, delivering Egypt's statement via recorded message before the high-level segment of the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, Abdelatty expressed Egypt's pride in commencing its membership on the Council and renewed the country's firm commitment to promoting and protecting human rights at both the national and international levels.
He noted that the current session is being convened amid mounting global challenges, including regional conflicts and growing international polarization, placing the rules-based international order under a genuine test.
Regarding the situation in Gaza, the foreign minister referred to Egypt's hosting of the Sharm El-Sheikh summit last October, which brought the aggression on the Strip to an end. He underscored the need to intensify efforts to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access and to accelerate early recovery and reconstruction projects, stressing the importance of halting ongoing grave violations against the Palestinian people, including in the West Bank.
Abdelatty also highlighted the importance of preserving the Human Rights Council as a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and exchange of expertise, free from politicization and polarization, to enhance its ability to discharge its mandate with efficiency and objectivity.
He reviewed Egypt's national experience in advancing human rights, in line with directives of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, through strengthening institutional and legislative frameworks, promoting the principles of citizenship and non-discrimination, and maintaining openness to dialogue and constructive engagement with international and regional mechanisms, foremost among them the Universal Periodic Review, in support of implementing the National Human Rights Strategy and preparing the second phase thereof.
The minister further shed light on integrated government initiatives aimed at promoting economic, social, and cultural rights, prioritizing women, youth, children, and persons with disabilities, in addition to launching a national dialogue and activating the presidential pardon committee.
Abdelatty emphasized the inextricable link between human rights and the right to development, pointing to structural challenges facing many developing countries.
He stressed the importance of supporting national capacity-building efforts and maintaining constructive cooperation with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, underlining the need to restore balance in the Council's work and to address human rights from a comprehensive and objective perspective.