The Egyptian government is set to face the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on January 28 during its Universal Periodic Review, as allegations of human rights violations and political repression mount against President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s administration.
Amid a severe economic crisis, ongoing EU financial aid negotiations, and heightened international attention, Cairo aims to highlight its initiatives, such as the Presidential Pardon Committee, legislative reforms, and the release of 1,700 political prisoners over the past two years. However, human rights organizations accuse the government of systemic abuses, including enforced disappearances, prolonged pre-trial detentions, and restrictions on press freedom.
Over 50 political prisoners reportedly died in 2024 due to medical neglect, while 821 enforced disappearances were documented between August 2022 and 2023. Critics argue that the government’s reforms are largely superficial, with opposition figures and activists still facing persecution and arrests.
The National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) risks being downgraded to Category B by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, a move that could harm Egypt’s international standing and delay financial aid from Europe.
As international pressure grows, including from the European Parliament and UN experts, Egypt faces demands for concrete steps to improve political freedoms, address arbitrary arrests, and safeguard human rights—or risk further global condemnation. The Geneva review will be a critical test for Al-Sisi’s regime on the international stage.