Egypt wins seat at UN Human Rights Council for 2026-2028 term

United Nations Human Rights Council Wed, Oct. 15, 2025
CAIRO – 15 October 2025: Egypt secured on Tuesday the membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the period 2026-2028.

According to Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt received 173 votes in the elections that were held at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

This win marks Egypt's third term on the council, including two terms during the presidency of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed in a statement that this win constitutes a fundamental pillar in the state's efforts to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, an issue that has witnessed significant developments in recent years.

Among the efforts exerted by the Egyptian state during the past period was the launch of the National Human Rights Strategy in 2021 and monitoring its implementation. Egypt’s President also directed that preparations for a new National Human Rights Strategy be initiated, to be implemented upon the completion of the current strategy, the development of the criminal justice system, the modernization of reform and rehabilitation centers, the expansion of social protection programs, the empowerment of women, youth, and people with disabilities, the integration of the National Human Rights Strategy into the plans and budgets of a number of ministries and agencies, and the intensification of training and capacity-building programs within state agencies.

Egypt's election at the UN human rights council also confirms international appreciation for the achievements made by the Egyptian state in recent years, and as an extension of the series of successes achieved by Egyptian diplomacy at the international level, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

Egypt's election also represents the culmination of its pivotal role in supporting security, peace, and stability, as well as its tireless efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, most recently the historic Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit held on October 13, according to the statement.

Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its appreciation in the statement to the ‘friendly countries’ that supported its candidacy, affirming its full commitment to fulfilling its role within the Council during the coming period and working to develop its mechanisms to ensure balance and comprehensiveness in addressing human rights issues.