Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdel Aty reaffirmed Egypt's firm rejection of the displacement of the Palestinian people, emphasising ongoing efforts to uphold the ceasefire agreement and implement its three-phase plan. He also stressed the importance of ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid, facilitating early recovery needs, and devising a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza without the forced relocation of its population. In a recorded message via video conference on Monday, 24 February, at the high-level segment of the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Abdel Aty highlighted the unprecedented humanitarian crisis facing the residents of Gaza. He underscored the need for the UNHRC to play its role in alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people. UNRWA Role The minister also praised the crucial role of humanitarian organisations, particularly the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), noting its indispensability in providing essential assistance. Addressing Egypt's domestic efforts in human rights, Abdel Aty outlined national initiatives undertaken under the directives of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. He highlighted Egypt's intensified efforts to implement the National Human Rights Strategy, including activating the Presidential Pardon Committee, launching a National Dialogue, and introducing key legislative reforms such as the new Criminal Procedures Law. These efforts, he noted, were complemented by projects aimed at strengthening economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as initiatives to promote the rights of women, youth, children, the elderly, and people with special needs. Cooperation with UNHRC Abdel Aty further reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to cooperating with the UNHRC and its mechanisms through a dialogue based on mutual respect and consideration of varying challenges and circumstances. He pointed out that this cooperation was reflected in Egypt's submission and discussion of its fourth report under the Universal Periodic Review mechanism during a session held on 28 January 2025.
