UN Review Urges Egypt to Address Human Rights Issues
The Egyptian government has been urged to accept and implement recommendations from the UN review of its human rights record conducted on January 28, 2025. According to Human Rights Watch, during this session, 137 countries provided over 370 recommendations targeting critical issues, including torture, arbitrary detention of critics, and lack of access to education and health care. This continues a long-standing pattern of repression in Egypt.
Persistent Human Rights Violations
Amr Magdi, a senior MENA researcher at Human Rights Watch, stated, “No amount of public relations efforts by the Egyptian government will change the reality of the country’s dire human rights crisis.” He emphasized that the government could initiate change without extra financial resources, primarily requiring political will. The UPR, established in 2006, serves as a rigorous check on each member state’s human rights record.
Deteriorating Conditions Since 2019
Since Egypt’s last UPR in 2019, the situation has worsened under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, with a systematic crackdown on peaceful dissent. Reports indicate that in addition to the release of some wrongfully detained individuals, many others remain imprisoned under harsh conditions, facing torture and incommunicado confinement.
Worsening Poverty Amid Political Repression
Egypt is grappling with one of the highest rates of death sentences and executions globally, often resulting from unfair mass trials. As reported by several organizations, rampant inflation and economic strife have deteriorated citizens’ access to basic rights, such as food, electricity, education, and healthcare.
Government Denial and Escalation of Repression
During the UPR presentation, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty denied any human rights abuses while asserting the government’s supposed progress. However, in the lead-up to the review, there was a marked increase in the repression of human rights defenders and journalists. For instance, Hossam Bahgat, a prominent defender, faced new terrorism-related charges just before the review.
Continued Targeting of Activists
The authorities have persisted in targeting various activists, like Houda Abdelwahab, who has faced legal challenges since 2016. Meanwhile, the arrest of poet and journalist Ahmed Seraj illustrates a troubling pattern of punishing dissention, particularly when it involves relatives of detained activists.
Ongoing Issues for Exiled Activists
Many activists remain in exile, fearful of reprisals if they return to Egypt. Reports highlight that the government employs harassment tactics against the relatives of individuals abroad, often using vague laws to prosecute marginalized groups, including the LGBT community.
International Demands for Change
During the UPR discussions, several nations, including the UK and Luxembourg, called for the liberation of human rights defenders merely exercising free expression. Countries spoke against Egypt’s rushed legislative changes, which fail to comply with international standards for fair trial rights and pretrial detention.
The Road Ahead for Egyptian Authorities
As the Egyptian government approaches the next Human Rights Council session in June, it faces pressure to act on the recommendations proposed. Magdi emphasizes the need for the government to release unjustly detained individuals, amend oppressive laws, and allocate more resources to education and healthcare. Global partners are urged to hold Egypt accountable in bilateral relations to spur action.
Over 370 recommendations from 137 countries urge Egypt to address severe human rights issues. The government under President Sisi has seen worsening conditions since 2019, with systematic repression of dissenters and increasing poverty. Key nations demand Egypt ensure fair trials and release imprisoned defenders. International pressure continues as the government prepares for the next Human Rights Council session in June.
The UN review has spotlighted significant human rights concerns in Egypt, urging the government to take crucial action to address systemic issues. With mounting international pressure, particularly focusing on legal reforms and the release of unjustly detained individuals, Egypt’s future in the realm of human rights hangs in the balance. The global community watches closely as Egypt navigates the path ahead, hoping for meaningful transformation.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
