UN Authority Figures

UN Human Rights Council Vice-President and Rapporteur: Egypt

Several Egyptian monks were attacked by Arab Bedouins. "Under pressure from fundamentalist forms of Islam and bursts of sectarian violence, the most populous Christian community in the Middle East is seeking safety by turning inward, cutting day-to-day social ties." (The Washington Post, July 7, 2008)

Mission of the Human Rights Council:
"The General Assembly...2. Decides that the Council shall be responsible for promoting universal respect for the protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction of any kind and in a fair and equal manner; 3. Decides also that the Council should address situations of violations of human rights, including gross and systematic violations, and make recommendations thereon..." (Resolution 60/251)

Egypt's Term of office: 2009-2010

Egypt's Record on human rights:
"The government's respect for human rights remained poor, and serious abuses continued in many areas. The government limited citizens' right to change their government and continued a state of emergency that has been in place almost continuously since 1967. Security forces used unwarranted lethal force and tortured and abused prisoners and detainees, in most cases with impunity. Prison and detention center conditions were poor. Security forces arbitrarily arrested and detained individuals, in some cases for political purposes, and kept them in prolonged pretrial detention. The executive branch placed limits on and pressured the judiciary. The government's respect for freedoms of press, association, and religion declined during the year, and the government continued to restrict other civil liberties, particularly freedom of speech, including Internet freedom, and freedom of assembly, including restrictions on nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Government corruption and lack of transparency persisted." (U.S. State Department's Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2008, Egypt)

The record of Hisham Badr, the individual to hold this position:
"The resolution acknowledges the progress made in Sudan since the adoption of the Peace Agreement...Sudan deserves a chance to prove that it was capable of addressing the situation, and improve the human rights situation for its people...Dialogue and not confrontation should remain the standard procedure in the Council..." (Speaking on behalf of the African Group during the Introduction of the Draft Resolution on the Human rights situation in the Sudan, June 18, 2009)

"As a friend of China Egypt will continue to support China's endeavor to pursue development, national unity and territorial integrity...China has demonstrated its commitment toward promotion and protection of human rights." (Universal Periodic Review, Review of China, February 9, 2009)

"We admire the fact that Russia has been able to overcome successfully the difficulties and challenges in its quest to establish a prosperous and stable nation." (Universal Periodic Review, Review of Russia, February 4, 2009)

Archive