Madam President,
The United Kingdom welcomes Egypt’s engagement with the UPR. We look forward to continuing a constructive dialogue on issues of concern.
We welcome Egypt’s submission of reports to five UN treaty bodies following the UPR. We also welcome Egypt’s support for two of the UK’s three recommendations: to implement recommendations presented by UNCAT to ensure access to medical assistance and family visits in Egyptian prisons; and to strengthen protections for, and support to, victims of all forms of human trafficking, regardless of nationality, including through dedicated shelters and community-based support services.
We regret, however, that Egypt could not support our recommendation to release those detained for exercising their right to freedom of expression, including all journalists, activists and human rights defenders, and to unblock news and social media websites. It is concerning that Egypt has labelled this a ‘factually incorrect recommendation’, particularly as we continue to see restrictions on human rights defenders, including arrests, travel bans, and asset freezes, as well as restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression.
We call on the Egyptian Government to address these concerns and to implement accepted recommendations fully.
Thank you.
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