Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a significant diplomatic victory, Egypt has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026–2028 term. The election, held on Tuesday during the UN General Assembly in New York, saw Egypt win the backing of 173 member states in a secret ballot, securing one of the council’s coveted seats allocated to the African regional group.
This marks the third time Egypt will serve on the 47-member body, which is responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide. The country previously held seats in 2007–2010 and again during President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi’s administration a period during which Cairo has emphasized its commitment to reforming domestic human rights policies and expanding international cooperation.
The council operates on a rotational system, with approximately one-third of its membership renewed annually. Candidates must secure an absolute majority vote and are expected to submit voluntary pledges detailing their human rights commitments and cooperation with UN mechanisms.
Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hailed the election result as a testament to the broad international support for Egypt’s human rights agenda and foreign policy orientation. In an official statement, the ministry described the development as a “new diplomatic achievement” and a “key milestone” in Egypt’s long-term efforts to promote and protect fundamental rights and freedoms.
The victory, officials noted, builds upon Egypt’s recent domestic reforms and international engagements. Central to these efforts has been the implementation of the National Human Rights Strategy, launched in 2021 the country’s first comprehensive roadmap aimed at institutionalizing human rights principles across all branches of government and society.
Since the strategy’s adoption, Egypt has submitted four consecutive executive reports detailing progress on its goals, with the latest report delivered to President El-Sisi in late September. Plans are now underway to draft a new strategy, under presidential directives, once the current one concludes.
In addition to policy reform, Egypt has embarked on a broader overhaul of its criminal justice system. This includes the modernization of prisons into rehabilitation and correctional facilities, the expansion of social safety nets, and targeted programs to empower women, youth, and individuals with disabilities. Authorities have framed these initiatives as part of a holistic approach to human rights encompassing civil, political, economic, and social dimensions.
The Foreign Ministry emphasized that Egypt’s return to the council reflects growing international recognition of these efforts, as well as the country’s wider role in promoting regional peace and stability. This role was recently highlighted when Egypt hosted the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit on October 13, a high-level diplomatic gathering aimed at de-escalating regional tensions and fostering dialogue.
In its statement, the ministry expressed gratitude to the nations that supported Egypt’s candidacy and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to contributing constructively to the council’s work. Egypt, it said, will engage in a “balanced and inclusive manner” that respects cultural diversity and national sovereignty, while supporting the advancement of global human rights standards.
As Egypt prepares to take its seat on the council in January 2026, attention will turn to how the country translates its stated commitments into tangible actions both at home and on the international stage.
