Human rights

[newcastle]

Egypt joins the United Nation Human Rights Council next year

Abu Zeid said that 26 countries competed for the nine seats, describing the elections as "intense."

He added that ambassador Ahmed Fathallah will be representing Egypt in the council.

Established in March 2006, the council consists of 47 member-states, which are elected directly and individually in a secret ballot by the General Assembly.

According to the council's website, the council "provides a forum for identifying, highlighting and developing responses to today's human rights challenges, and acts as the principal focal point of human rights research, education, public information and advocacy activities in the United Nations system."

Abu Zeid said that winning the seat in this "important council" reflects the trust of the international community in Egypt and its commitment to international agreements.

"It is a powerful message to those who doubted Egypt's loyalty to its international and constitutional commitments to human rights," Abu Zeid said.

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent ... ncil-.aspx

Somewhat surprising therefore (although possibly not) that Egypt's current ambassador to the Council should boycott the selection of a committee to monitor anti-Gay violence giving as his excuse that “I find it difficult to engage in an exercise which is contrary to my convictions".

One might understand that the convictions of an Egyptian would be anti-Gay.......but apparently he is not opposed to violence against Gays!

http://www.cairoscene.com/BusinessAndPo ... ay-Violenc

[Dusak]