The Egyptian government faces urgent calls from Human Rights Watch to act on over 370 recommendations from a UN review addressing severe human rights violations. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty dismissed allegations of abuse while rights groups condemned a continued campaign of repression against activists. Countries urged reforms and the release of unjustly detained individuals, highlighting the need for accountability in Egypt’s deteriorating human rights climate.
Human Rights Watch has urged the Egyptian government to urgently implement recommendations made during the UN Universal Periodic Review of its human rights record conducted on January 28, 2025. Over 370 recommendations were proposed by 137 countries, addressing various issues such as torture, arbitrary detention of human rights defenders, and access to essential services amidst ongoing human rights violations under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s regime.
Despite the dire human rights situation, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty denied allegations of abuses and claimed substantial progress. Human Rights Watch reported that systematic detention and punishment of peaceful critics have continued, far surpassing recent releases of detainees. Furthermore, torture and inhumane treatment remain prevalent within detention facilities.
With soaring inflation exacerbating poverty levels, Egypt ranks poorly in death sentences and executions, typically rendered via unfair mass trials. The government has failed to support education and health sectors sufficiently, affecting access to basic services.
Notable cases of repression include the terrorism-related charges against human rights defender Hossam Bahgat and the ongoing legal battles faced by Houda Abdelwahab. Vulnerable groups such as LGBT individuals and social media influencers have faced prosecution, utilizing vague legal definitions of morality.
During the UPR session, countries urged Egypt to release imprisoned defenders and reform its flawed Criminal Procedural Code. The Egyptian government is expected to communicate its response to these recommendations by June during the next Human Rights Council session.
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR), established in 2006, assesses the human rights records of UN member states every four and a half years. This process allows local and international organizations to contribute input, and Egypt’s latest review revealed continued regression in human rights despite prior recommendations. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s government has faced criticism for maintaining systemic oppression against dissidents while undertaking cosmetic reforms without substantial changes. The environment for activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens in Egypt has deteriorated substantially, particularly for those advocating for human rights or opposing government policies. Reports of torture, wrongful detentions, and capital punishment underscore the severity of the claims made against Egyptian authorities.
In conclusion, Human Rights Watch emphasizes the urgent need for the Egyptian government to take credible action in response to UN recommendations regarding human rights violations. The call to release unjustly detained individuals, amend oppressive laws, and allocate sufficient resources for education and healthcare is critical. International pressure is vital to hold Egypt accountable for its commitments and ensure tangible progress in enhancing the human rights landscape in the country.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
