UNRIC Library Backgrounder: Egypt

UN Entities

• United Nations in Egypt: https://egypt.un.org/
• Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights – Egypt: https://www.ohchr.org/en/countries/egypt
  • Report of the OHCHR Mission to Egypt (27 March – 4 April 2011): https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Countries/EG/OHCHR_MissiontoEgypt27March_4April.pdf
• Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – Egypt: https://www.unhcr.org/countries/egypt
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Egypt: https://www.undp.org/egypt
• United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
  • ReliefWeb – Egypt: https://reliefweb.int/country/egy
• World Health Organization (WHO) – Egypt: https://www.who.int/countries/egy/en/,
  https://www.emro.who.int/countries/egy/index.html
• United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Cairo: https://www.unic-eg.org/eng/

Selected Statements and Speeches by UN Officials

• Comment by UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Seif Magango on jailing of human rights defender in Egypt (19 July 2023): https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/07/comment-un-human-rights-office-spokesperson-seif-magango-jailing-human
• Secretary-General saddened by deadly fire at church in Egypt (14 August 2022, SG/SM/21412): https://press.un.org/en/2022/sgsm21412.doc.htm
• Egyptian protests: Concerned by widespread arrests, Bachelet urges restraint (27 September 2019): https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2019/09/egyptian-protests-concerned-widespread-arrests-bachelet-urges-restraint
• Secretary-General strongly condemns terrorist attack in Egypt (SG/SM/19690, 5 August 2019): https://www.un.org/press/en/2019/sgsm19690.doc.htm
• Comment on the treatment and death in custody of former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi (18 June 2019): https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements-and-speeches/2019/06/comment-treatment-and-death-custody-former-egyptian-president
• Egyptian death sentences result from unfair trial, should be reversed – Bachelet (9 September 2018): https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2018/09/egyptian-death-sentences-result-unfair-trial-should-be-reversed-bachelet
• Secretary-General condemns ‘horrific’ attack outside church in Egypt (SG/SM/18844, 29 December 2017): https://press.un.org/en/2017/sgsm18844.doc.htm
• Secretary-General condemns attack against mosque in Bir al-Abed, Egypt (SG/SM/18797, 24 November 2017): https://press.un.org/en/2017/sgsm18797.doc.htm
• Secretary-General condemns terrorist attack on police convoy in Egypt (SG/SM/18672, 12 September 2017): https://press.un.org/en/2017/sgsm18672.doc.htm
• Condemning ‘cowardly’ Rafah terrorist attack, Secretary-General reiterates support for Egypt’s fight against terrorism, violent extremism (SG/SM/18605, 8 July 2017): https://press.un.org/en/2017/sgsm18605.doc.htm
• Repressive new NGO law deeply damaging for human rights in Egypt – Zeid (1 June 2017): https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2017/05/repressive-new-ngo-law-deeply-damaging-human-rights-egypt-zeid
• Secretary-General condemns ‘despicable’ terrorist attack in Egypt (SG/SM/18539, 26 May 2017): https://press.un.org/en/2017/sgsm18539.doc.htm
• Secretary-General condemns attacks on churches in Egypt (SG/SM/18491, 9 April 2017): https://press.un.org/en/2017/sgsm18491.doc.htm
• Secretary-General, addressing Cairo University, encourages students to lead in building future of Egypt, ‘wonderful region’ at large (SG/SM/18439, 15 February 2017): https://press.un.org/en/2017/sgsm18439.doc.htm
• Secretary-General condemns terrorist attacks against police officers in Egypt (SG/SM/17742-AFR/3374, 9 May 2016): https://press.un.org/en/2016/sgsm17742.doc.htm
• Civil society plays key role in reaching Development Goals, Secretary-General says as Court Case against Human Rights Defenders Resumes in Egypt (SG/SM/17689, 19 April 2016): https://press.un.org/en/2016/sgsm17689.doc.htm
• Zeid urges Egypt to halt repression of NGOs (23 March 2016): https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2016/03/zeid-urges-egypt-halt-repression-ngos
• Secretary-General condemns deadly suicide bombing in Egypt, reiterating need for holistic approach to prevent, counter terrorism (SG/SM/17356, 24 November 2015): https://press.un.org/en/2015/sgsm17356.doc.htm
• Regretting decision by Egyptian Court to sentence journalists, Secretary-General underscores importance of pluralism, respect for fundamental freedoms (SG/SM/17040-AFR/3205, 29 August 2015): https://press.un.org/en/2015/sgsm17040.doc.htm
• Secretary-General condemns terrorist attacks in North Sinai, Egypt (SG/SM/16898, 1 July 2015): https://press.un.org/en/2015/sgsm16898.doc.htm
• Secretary-General condemns terrorist attack in Egypt killing Prosecutor General (SG/SM/16890-AFR/3168, 29 June 2015): https://press.un.org/en/2015/sgsm16890.doc.htm
• Secretary-General, in Egypt for League of Arab States Session, calls for further joint action on conflict resolution, sustainable development (SG/SM/16629, 28 March 2015): https://press.un.org/en/2015/sgsm16629.doc.htm
• Welcoming decision by Egypt to release journalist, Secretary-General says pluralism key for achieving long-term stability (SG/SM/16510-AFR/3067-PI/2112, 2 February 2015): https://press.un.org/en/2015/sgsm16510.doc.htm
• Expressing condolences, solidarity with people of Egypt, Secretary-General condemns terrorist attacks in North Sinai (SG/SM/16501, 30 January 2015):
  https://press.un.org/en/2015/sgsm16501.doc.htm
• Zeid deplores killing of protestors in Egypt (27 January 2015): https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2015/01/zeid-deplores-killing-protestors-egypt
• Deeply concerned over Egypt death sentences, Secretary-General says peaceful protests no grounds for detention or prosecution (SG/SM/15966, 23 June 2014): https://press.un.org/en//2014/sgsm15966.doc.htm
• Pillay urges review of Egyptian laws and judicial procedures after latest “shocking” conviction of Al Jazeera journalists (23 June 2014): https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2014/06/pillay-urges-review-egyptian-laws-and-judicial-procedures-after-latest
• Strengthening Egypt’s democratic institutions essential to nation’s long-term security, Secretary-General says after release of election results (SG/SM/15905-AFR/2907, 3 June 2014): https://press.un.org/en/2014/sgsm15905.doc.htm
• Mass imposition of death penalty in Egypt outrageous: Pillay (29 April 2014): https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2014/04/mass-imposition-death-penalty-egypt-outrageous-pillay
• Secretary-General, alarmed by mass death sentence, youth movement ban in Egypt, stresses security implications for entire region (SG/SM/15803-AFR/2873, 28 April 2014): https://press.un.org/en//2014/sgsm15803.doc.htm
• Pillay appeals for restraint, investigations in wake of escalating violence in Egypt (27 January 2014): https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2014/01/pillay-appeals-restraint-investigations-wake-escalating-violence-egypt
• Secretary-General condemns terrorist attacks in Cairo, calling for perpetrators to be held to account (SG/SM/15613-AFR/2803, 24 January 2014):
  https://press.un.org/en/2014/sgsm15613.doc.htm
• Secretary-General encourages Egyptians to ‘rediscover common ground’ as they mark third anniversary of their revolution (SG/SM/15609-AFR/2800, 23 January 2014): https://press.un.org/en/2014/sgsm15609.doc.htm
• With Referendum under way in Egypt, Secretary-General stresses respect for free expression, commitment to non-violence (SG/SM/15579, 14 January 2014): https://press.un.org/en/2014/sgsm15579.doc.htm
• Noting expiration of state of emergency in Egypt, Secretary-General stresses importance of peaceful protest, freedom of assembly (SG/SM/15464-AFR/2749, 12 November 2013): https://press.un.org/en/2013/sgsm15464.doc.htm
• Secretary-General strongly condemns Egypt violence, stressing importance of peaceful protest, respect for free assembly (SG/SM/15376-AFR/2716, 7 October 2013): https://press.un.org/en/2013/sgsm15376.doc.htm
• Secretary-General concerned over Egypt violence, stresses peace ahead of planned demonstrations (SG/SM/15371-AFR/2714, 4 October 2013):
  https://press.un.org/en/2013/sgsm15371.doc.htm
• Secretary-General, alarmed by violence in Egypt, strongly condemns attacks on churches, hospitals, other public facilities as ‘unacceptable’ (SG/SM/15221-AFR/2682, 17 August 2013): https://press.un.org/en//2013/sgsm15221.doc.htm
• Pillay calls for urgent talks to save Egypt from further disastrous violence (15 August 2013): https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2013/08/pillay-calls-urgent-talks-save-egypt-further-disastrous-violence
• Statement by Mr. Adama Dieng, United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, and Ms. Jennifer Welsh, United Nations Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect, on the situation in Egypt (15 August 2013): https://bit.ly/2pVlQ9i
• Secretary-General recognizes ‘political clocks do not run backwards’, but rejects violence, incitement from any side to challenges facing Egypt (SG/SM/15213-AFR/2677, 14 August 2013): https://press.un.org/en/2013/sgsm15213.doc.htm
• Secretary-General, in statement, urges Egyptians to reconsider potentially violent actions, adjust political strategies to evolving circumstances (SG/SM/15209, 9 August 2013): https://press.un.org/en/2013/sgsm15209.doc.htm
• Confrontational approach in Egypt is leading to disaster – Pillay (28 July 2013): https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2013/07/confrontational-approach-egypt-leading-disaster-pillay
• Secretary-General condemns deadly violence in Egypt, calling on all leaders to put national interest above individual, group, political aims (SG/SM/15190-AFR/2671, 27 July 2013): https://press.un.org/en/2013/sgsm15190.doc.htm
• Increasingly concerned by developments in Egypt, Secretary-General urges full return of civilian control, constitutional order, democratic governance (SG/SM/15185-AFR/2669, 25 July 2013): https://press.un.org/en/2013/sgsm15185.doc.htm
• Secretary-General, condemning reported killings of protesters outside republican guard headquarters in Egypt, seeks investigation by independent national bodies (SG/SM/15160-AFR/2660, 8 July 2013): https://press.un.org/en/2013/sgsm15160.doc.htm
• Secretary-General expresses growing concern over Egypt amid reported clashes, sexual violence, due process failures, restrictions on expression (SG/SM/15156-AFR/2659, 5 July 2013): https://press.un.org/en/2013/sgsm15156.doc.htm
• Secretary-General, concerned about ‘military interference’ in Egypt, stresses need to reinforce civilian rule, peacefully seek common ground towards transition (SG/SM/15151-AFR/2657, 3 July 2013): https://press.un.org/en/2013/sgsm15151.doc.htm
• Secretary-General urges all parties in Egypt to remain non-violence, uphold law, stressing right to demonstrate peacefully (SG/SM/15139-AFR/2656, 27 June 2013): https://press.un.org/en/2013/sgsm15139.doc.htm
• Following transition process in Egypt, secretary-general stresses importance of rights to free association, expression, democratic process (SG/SM/15082-HR/5144, 5 June 2013): https://press.un.org/en/2013/sgsm15082.doc.htm
• Egypt risks drifting further away from human rights ideals that drove revolution – Pillay (8 May 2013): https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2013/05/egypt-risks-drifting-further-away-human-rights-ideals-drove-revolution
• Secretary-General extends ‘warmest wishes’ as Egyptians mark second anniversary of revolution (SG/SM/14782-AFR/2507, 24 January 2013): https://press.un.org/en/2013/sgsm14782.doc.htm
• Egypt: Pillay urges serious dialogue and end to use of excessive force (29 January 2013): https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2013/01/egypt-pillay-urges-serious-dialogue-and-end-use-excessive-force
• Secretary-General welcomes conclusion of Egypt’s presidential election process, commends Egyptian people for election’s peaceful atmosphere (SG/SM/14379, 25 June 2012): https://press.un.org/en/2012/sgsm14379.doc.htm
• Secretary-General notes concern among Egyptians over Supreme Court Decision, strongly hopes presidential election will proceed peacefully, inclusively (SG/SM/14351, 15 June 2012): https://press.un.org/en/2012/sgsm14351.doc.htm
• Secretary-General says Egypt’s elections important milestone in democratic transition, looks forward to credible and peaceful conclusion to process (SG/SM/14312, 25 May 2012): https://press.un.org/en/2012/sgsm14312.doc.htm
• Secretary-General saddened by deaths, injuries after outbreak of violence at end of football match in Port Said, Egypt (SG/SM/14091, 2 February 2012): https://press.un.org/en/2012/sgsm14091.doc.htm
• Pillay alarmed by Egypt violence and by “major problems” with draft Constitution (7 December 2012): https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2012/12/pillay-alarmed-egypt-violence-and-major-problems-draft-constitution
• Pillay condemns “vicious” assaults by Egyptian security officers on unarmed protestors, including women (19 December 2011): https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2011/12/pillay-condemns-vicious-assaults-egyptian-security-officers-unarmed
• Secretary-General congratulates people of Egypt for will to achieve democratic change, reiterates imperative for continued credible electoral process (SG/SM/13980, 29 November 2011): https://press.un.org/en/2011/sgsm13980.doc.htm
• High Commissioner Navi Pillay deplores Egyptian military and security forces killing of protestors, and urges independent investigation (23 November 2011): https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2011/11/high-commissioner-navi-pillay-deplores-egyptian-military-and-security-forces
• Secretary-General deplores deaths, injuries resulting from Egypt violence (SG/SM/13960, 21 November 2011): https://press.un.org/en/2011/sgsm13960.doc.htm
• Deeply saddened by loss of life in Cairo, Secretary-General calls on transitional authorities to protect human rights, civil liberties of Egyptians of all faiths (SG/SM/13863, 10 October 2011): https://press.un.org/en/2011/sgsm13863.doc.htm
• ‘This is Egypt’s Moment,’ Secretary-General says in Cairo, looking to Egyptians to build modern-day pyramid of democracy in heart of Arab World (SG/SM/13464, 21 March 2011): https://press.un.org/en/2011/sgsm13464.doc.htm
• Secretary-General calls again for transparent, peaceful transition in Egypt (SG/SM/13398, 11 February 2011): https://press.un.org/en/2011/sgsm13398.doc.htm
• In wake of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s resignation, Secretary-General commends Egyptian people for courageous exercise of their legitimate rights (SG/SM/13400, 11 February 2011): https://press.un.org/en/2011/sgsm13400.doc.htm
• Statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on the current situation in North Africa (4 February 2011): https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements/2011/02/statement-un-high-commissioner-human-rights-navi-pillay-current-situation-north
• UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urges Government restraint and respect for human rights in Egypt (N28 January 2011): https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2011/01/un-high-commissioner-human-rights-urges-government-restraint-and-respect
• Secretary-General condemns deadly New Year’s Eve bombing of church in Egypt (SG/SM/13335-AFR/2090, 4 January 2011): https://press.un.org/en/2011/sgsm13335.doc.htm

Further Information

• UN Member States on the Record: Egypt
  https://www.un.org/en/library/unms
  United Nations Member States on the Record provides access to selected documents reflecting the views of United Nations Member States.

Selected Articles in UN Journals

• The Radical Middle: Building Bridges between the Muslim and Western Worlds / by Ali Gomaa, Grand Mufti of Egypt (UN Chronicle web article, September 2012): https://www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/radical-middle-building-bridges-between-muslim-and-western-worlds

Non-UN Sources

• Security Council Report – Egypt: https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/egypt/
• IRIN (originally the “Integrated Regional Information Networks”) – Egypt: https://www.irinnews.org/country/eg/egypt