Egypt is currently drafting its second five-year National Human Rights Strategy for the 2026-2031 period, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty. The upcoming framework aims to consolidate the values of democracy, citizenship, and the rule of law across the country.
European Parliament Delegation Engages on Regional Stability
During a meeting in Cairo on Tuesday, the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights acknowledged the economic and regional challenges facing Egypt.
The European representatives described Egypt as a key partner for the European Union in supporting regional stability. This diplomatic alignment follows the recent elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive and strategic partnership. During the discussions, the visiting delegates called for intensified parliamentary cooperation and mutual visits to explore broader prospects for institutional collaboration.
Balancing Rights and Expanding Social Protection
Abdelatty outlined Cairo’s ongoing efforts to upgrade its comprehensive human rights system and achieve social justice under presidential directives. As the chair of the Supreme Standing Committee for Human Rights, Abdelatty pointed to recent legislative, civil, and political milestones achieved by the state.
The foreign minister emphasized the necessity of balancing civil and political rights with economic, social, and cultural rights. Specific state attention is directed toward vulnerable populations, including women, children, youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Abdelatty noted that improving human rights conditions remains an extended, cumulative process, affirming the government’s commitment to maintaining constructive dialogue with civil society and international partners like the United Nations and the European Union.
National programs driving these economic and social rights improvements include the “Decent Life” and “100 Million Healthy Lives” initiatives. These efforts run alongside the expansion of the national social protection umbrella and the development and clearing of informal settlements, despite security and economic pressures.
International Engagement and Future UN Commitments
On the international stage, Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s active engagement with global human rights mechanisms. He noted the regular submission and discussion of national reports before the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review. Furthermore, Egypt plans to maintain an active role during its upcoming membership in the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva for the 2026-2028 term.
Abdelatty expressed hope that the European delegation’s visit would facilitate a deeper exchange of expertise and allow visiting officials to observe firsthand the concrete steps Egypt has taken in the human rights domain.
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