Shoukry refutes BBC’S false allegations on Egypt

CAIRO – 28 February 2018: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry refuted on Tuesday the false allegations made about Egypt by the British channel BBC, stressing that journalism in Egypt is free.

In his speech before the 37th session of the Human Rights Council, Shoukry confirmed that Egypt hosts many foreign media networks, expressing his regret for the unprofessional media networks that depend on spreading fake information to achieve certain political interests.

He said that Egypt is keen to participate in the Human Rights Council every year, seeking to lay a strong foundation for democracy, rule of law, good governance and human rights despite the challenges Egypt faces.

The minister stressed that Egypt is organizing a fair and transparent presidential election in accordance with the constitution and under the supervision of an independent electoral commission as well as international and regional organizations.

He referred that Egypt prioritizes human rights, especially after the 2011 and 2013 revolutions; hence, it has chosen 2016, 2017 and 2018 as years of the rights of youth, women and the disabled, respectively, integrating human rights in different policies according to the 2030 agenda, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Shoukry further stressed that Egypt will submit, for the first time, the mid-term voluntary report on implementing the recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review, asserting Egypt's adherence to its international commitments. He added that the minister of parliamentary affairs will review the report in details during his visit to Geneva.

Shoukry referred to Egypt’s steps towards advancing freedoms and rights, shedding light on the amendments to the law regulating the rights of peaceful assembly, and the inclusion of human rights’ concepts in educational curricula and in the religious institutions' activities.

He pointed out that Egypt guarantees the freedom of belief to its citizens, advances the values of tolerance and equality, empowers and protects women in different fields, opens new horizons for youth, and forms a comprehensive health insurance system.

Shoukry confirmed that Egypt is glad to cooperate with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to advance the capabilities and to prepare periodical international reports for committees.

Referring to Egypt’s efforts to combat terrorism, Shoukry said that the Armed Forces are carrying out the comprehensive operation to uproot terrorism from Sinai in accordance with human rights.

“The Islamic and Arab world, as well as Africa, face many risks that deprive the people from living with prosperity and security,” said Shoukry, pointing out to the situation in Syria, Libya, Yemen, Sudan and Somali, where chaos and destruction prevail.

As for Palestine the minister stated: “The Palestinian cause is more complicated due to violations against Palestinians, who call for realizing their legitimate right to establish a state with Jerusalem as its capital.”

He concluded that Egypt supports the international efforts to combat Islamophobia, discrimination and racism, and it is glad to cooperate with the UN Human Rights Council and draft joint reports regarding human rights.