An Egyptian delegation, comprising two non-governmental organisations, participated on Monday in the session of "Promoting and protecting civil and political human rights and the right to development" within the framework of the 43rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which is being held in Geneva. The session was attended by a group of UN special rapporteurs, representatives of states and national councils, in addition to representatives of civil society organisations. The delegation, made up of representatives of the National Association for the Defence of Rights and Freedoms, and Al-Haq Foundation for the Freedom of Opinion and Expression, took part in a number of events on the sidelines of the 43rd UNHRC session, which will be concluded on 14 March. Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Human Rights Ahmed Ihab Gamal El-Din, the representative of the Egyptian delegation, delivered on 24 February Egypt's statement before the high-level segment of the 43rd session of the UNHRC. He highlighted Egypt's efforts in advancing rights and raising the council's attention to a number of issues, including violations against the Palestinian people. Ambassador Gamal El-Din asserted that Egypt regards human rights an integral part of its comprehensive development strategy, and that the state and all its institutions abide by the constitution and the rule of the law. The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system made up of 47 states responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe. It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year. It meets at the UN Office at Geneva.
