Since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the emergence of an international legal framework for protecting and promoting human rights, new challenges have constantly emerged in our rapidly-changing world. These challenges include climate change; the fight against poverty; global terrorist movements; issues related to migration; threats to privacy in cyberspace; or unforeseen economic and financial crises affecting countries and societies across the planet.
A new vision of human rights must be in favour of peoples, of collective rights, of self-determination of those under foreign occupation, and of the sovereignty of peoples and countries in the processes of transformation. It must hold the state responsible for the promotion and protection of those rights, in partnership with the whole of society, including civil society, the private sector, academia and other relevant stakeholders. Generally, it takes the creation of a just and equitable world order to generate an enabling global environment, (free from poverty and socio-economic deprivation) so that the full realisation of human rights becomes possible, particularly in countries of the global South.
Against this background, the first cycle of the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) was an important success, allowing the human rights record of every UN member state to be examined without exception, with a view to exchanging experiences and sharing lessons learned lessons. It is important that states maintain this level of commitment and universality during the all-important second cycle. The future success of the process will depend on the degree to which governments and other stakeholders approach it with seriousness of purpose and in a spirit of constructive engagement. In this regard, it worth noting that many countries have made important commitments based on the outcome of the UPR process.
State commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights has been significantly strengthened over recent years. To that effect, the Egyptian people have repeatedly reiterated the country’s determination to promote and protect human rights, particularly after the 25 January 2011 revolution.
Today, it is the Arab world that is making history. A new dawn of democracy, popular participation and empowerment, coupled with social justice is rising in several parts of the Arab world. While the revolutions and uprisings in several Arab countries shared some common characteristic: such as a call for dignity, freedom, democracy, equality before the law, equity, equal opportunity and access to power, wealth and justice, and responsive government; they have also reflected divergent and deep-rooted economic grievances and calls for social justice.
The Egyptian people revolted again on 30 June 2013 in order to bring the 25 January 2011 Revolution back to its original path, with a view to achieving development, freedom and social justice.
Young people led the change in several Arab countries and should be empowered to contribute to the march of society towards democracy and a brighter, fairer future. A key characteristic of young people is their capacity for innovation and risk-taking. The challenge is therefore how to give young people more opportunities to acquire experience so that they can enjoy better prospects for the future, be innovative and contribute to society. More social dialogue on the topic of youth is needed. However, young people should not only be the subject of social dialogue but also be encouraged to participate actively in such a dialogue and have their voices heard. Furthermore, there is a need to improve education systems to provide opportunities for young people to learn, acquire training and gain experience.
In 2014, new opportunities have been coupled with challenges in countries of the Arab Spring, especially in the context of establishing democracy. Important steps are being taken in Egypt to ensure the rule of law. The post-30 June 2013 Interim Egyptian Government committed to a clear roadmap that was put in place in July 2013 to establish a genuine democracy. The Egyptian people are determined to avoid past mistakes. The empowerment of women is top of the agenda and political participation is open for any political stream that is committed to peaceful political expression and that denounces violence. After the adoption of Egypt’s new constitution in January 2014 through a popular referendum, presidential elections took place in May 2014, observed by relevant international, regional and national organisations. The turnout of around 47% shows the will of the Egyptian people to continue along the path laid down in the roadmap. Parliamentary elections will take place in the near future, signifying the third and final phase of the roadmap. Egypt now has an extraordinary chance to forge a working democracy, which could serve as a model for our region. With the Arab Spring affecting regional dynamics in the Middle East, it is imperative that the international community continues to support the transitions that are taking place.
Finally, it is important to adapt ourselves to a world where changes are occurring at an increasingly fast pace and in more and more complex ways, while at the same time being conscious of the cultures and societies in which we live. Human rights can, and should, be the pillar of social, political and legal stability, keeping us firmly rooted in civilized behavior during this exciting, but also daunting, time of change.
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H.E Ambassador Dr. Walid Mahmoud Abdelnasser was the former Permanent Representative of Egypt to the United Nations in Geneva (until 31 August 2014).
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