Egypt stresses progress on human rights in meeting with EU official

CAIRO – 4 November 2024: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty welcomed Olof Skoog, the European Union's Special Representative for Human Rights, on Monday. This meeting was part of the ongoing constructive dialogue between Egypt and the EU, addressing topics including the promotion and respect of human rights.

Minister Abdel Aty expressed his hope that the EU would view Egypt’s progress on human rights objectively and communicate this development accurately to governmental and parliamentary bodies within EU member states. He emphasized Egypt's commitment to continuing its national efforts to improve human rights, despite challenging economic conditions and regional instability.

He highlighted that advancements in human rights stem from strong political will at the highest levels, aiming to meet citizens' aspirations and uphold Egypt’s international obligations. Abdel Aty asserted that Egypt’s approach to human rights is comprehensive, ensuring equal importance to civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, including the right to development.

The Foreign Minister detailed significant progress made in recent years, notably following the launch of Egypt’s first comprehensive National Strategy for Human Rights and the subsequent release of the second report on its implementation, with preparations underway for a third report.

He pointed out that Egypt’s rapid advancements and unprecedented measures included strengthening legislative and institutional frameworks, such as drafting new criminal procedure laws, reactivating the Presidential Pardon Committee and broadening its work, initiating the National Dialogue, empowering women in leadership positions, and promoting religious freedoms. Abdel Aty also stressed the importance of fostering a strong partnership with civil society as a vital government ally in improving citizens’ conditions and supporting their rights.

He also discussed the economic and security challenges Egypt faces, particularly due to the increasing number of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, which strain the national budget and essential services, including healthcare.

Furthermore, Abdel Aty underscored the need for a uniform standard when addressing human rights issues, avoiding double standards. He pointed out the blatant violations of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories and the failure of certain countries, which publicly advocate for freedom, to address these severe rights abuses and daily breaches of international humanitarian law with the seriousness they require.