CAIRO, Jan 27 (MENA) – Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty, stressed the significant progress achieved in human rights under President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's leadership, focusing on improving citizens' civil, political, economic, and social rights.

In an interview with AlQahera News Channel, he affirmed that these advancements aim to benefit Egyptians and align with Egypt’s broader development strategy.

Abdelatty stressed that President Sisi's vision for a modern state includes human development.

He added that the launch of the National Human Rights Strategy marked a turning point, positioning Egypt among the few nations to voluntarily adopt such an approach.

Of the 371 recommendations Egypt received during the 2019 UN Universal Periodic Review, 301 were accepted and implemented, with a 99% completion rate—a milestone Abdelatty hailed as an international benchmark.

The minister highlighted transformative initiatives like Decent Life (Hayah Karima) and Takaful and Karama, which have significantly reduced poverty and expanded social safety nets.

He noted that these programs earned global recognition, with international bodies urging Egypt to share its expertise with other countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

On the refugee front, Abdelatty underlined Egypt's inclusive approach, hosting over 9.5 million refugees and treating them as residents, granting full access to healthcare, education, and basic services. "No other country provides this level of integration for refugees," he remarked.

Regionally, Abdelatty discussed Egypt’s leadership in mediating the Gaza ceasefire. After 15 months of negotiations with Qatar and the U.S., Egypt secured the agreement, facilitating the delivery of over 600 daily aid trucks to Gaza and working toward sustainable peace.

"We remain committed to ensuring both sides honor their obligations," he said, adding that Egypt is coordinating with European partners to establish monitoring systems at the Rafah border crossing.

On legislative reforms, Abdelatty highlighted a comprehensive amendment of the procedural code and the landmark NGO law, which enhances transparency and collaboration with civil society.

Additionally, Egypt is closing outdated prisons and replacing them with modern rehabilitation centers.

The foreign minister also criticized global double standards in human rights, particularly regarding unequal responses to crises in Ukraine and Gaza. He called for universal, consistent human rights practices worldwide, free from bias or political agendas. (MENA)

H A T/R G E