Introduction
1. As part of its ongoing commitment to cooperation with regional mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights, and as a demonstration of its willingness to fulfil its treaty obligations, the Arab Republic of Egypt is submitting its eighteenth (18th) periodic report to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, in accordance with the provisions of Article 62 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. This report covers the main legislative and practical developments that have ensued between 2019 and 2024 in the implementation of the provisions of the Charter, in the light of the comments made by the Commission following its review of the previous report.
2. This report was drafted by the High-Level Standing Committee on Human Rights, an interministerial body established by decision of the Council of Ministers and operational since the beginning of 2020. The Committee is chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and brings together all ministries and public institutions concerned with human rights issues. It is responsible for monitoring the implementation of Egypt's international commitments under relevant regional and international legal instruments, proposing applicable legislative and regulatory measures, and developing a database of recommendations addressed to Egypt by international and regional mechanisms. It also analyses progress made, reviews human rights-related legislation and public policies, and monitors the implementation of the National Human Rights Strategy. Furthermore, the Committee provides technical support to national institutions, particularly for the creation of specialised human rights units within ministries and Governorates, and for the implementation of training programmes aimed at promoting a culture of human rights in sectoral policies and programmes.
3. In September 2021, Egypt launched its first National Human Rights Strategy (2021–2026) which was attended by the President of the Republic, demonstrating the importance ascribed by the Government towards attaining the objectives set out under the strategy. The strategy was developed by using a participatory approach involving ministries, public institutions and non-governmental organisations and was based on consultations with civil society representatives, and consistent with international best practices. It proposes a comprehensive and rigorous approach to strengthening fundamental rights, taking into account the opportunities and challenges related to achieving its objectives in four main areas. It aims to make progress simultaneously on three complementary fronts: legislative reform, institutional strengthening and capacity building in the area of human rights. An annual report is published to assess the progress made, with three editions having been released to date.
