Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stated that human rights concepts shouldn’t be reduced to only political rights, but rather should be dealt with from a comprehensive perspective that includes social and economic rights.
Sisi made his statements during meeting last night with former US administration officials, diplomats and army generals. Egypt’s president is currently in New York to attend the 72nd regular session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 72).
During the meeting, Sisi reviewed the developments in Egypt over the last few years, and efforts by the government in the field of economic and social reform, and countering terrorism.
During the meeting, which held at his residence in New York, the president stressed the government’s commitment to continue its work to establish a modern civil state based on upholding the rule of law and the values of democracy.
On the situation of NGOs, the President said that the government considers the groups to be an important partner in the development process.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein slammed Egypt for its human rights violations, during his opening statement to the Human Rights Council during the 36th session last week.
Hussein said that the new NGO law adopted on May 24, which comprehensively restricts the activities of civil society organisations, breaches international law, as well as Egypt’s own constitution.
He said that brutality and intimidation of the country’s most thoughtful voices, cutting off the vital social and economic services provided by NGOs and blocking information can only exacerbate radicalism and instability.
Edited Translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
