During the 54^th meeting of the Human Rights Council, held on 31 March 2026, Egypt presented its observations on a number of draft resolutions addressing issues ranging from the rights of persons in street situations and birth registration to broader cross-cutting human rights concepts and approaches. The discussions took place in relation to several resolutions adopted without a vote, including resolution A/HRC/61/L.26 on The Human Rights of Persons in Street Situations and resolution A/HRC/61/L.32/Rev.1 on Birth Registration and the Right of Everyone to Recognition Everywhere as a Person before the Law.

With respect to resolution concerning the human rights of persons in street situations, Egypt welcomed its adoption and expressed appreciation for addressing the issue as a standalone initiative. Egypt emphasized the importance of focusing on prevention and addressing root causes while underlining that efforts should avoid normalizing life on the streets.

Egypt also welcomed the reference to the role of the family in combating social exclusion and appreciated the decision of the core group to avoid introducing new requests in light of the current financial crisis.

At the same time, Egypt offered clarification regarding Operative Paragraph 2, noting that measures aimed at eliminating legislation criminalizing homelessness should be understood as nationally appropriate, considering differences among legal systems while remaining without prejudice to States’ international human rights obligations.

Turning to resolution on birth registration and the right of everyone to recognition everywhere as a person before the law, Egypt welcomed the adoption of the resolution and expressed appreciation for the constructive approach adopted by the core group.

Egypt further welcomed the inclusion of references relating to situations of occupation, recognition of the digital divide and varying national capacities, as well as the emphasis placed on enhancing international cooperation to address these challenges.

Egypt also expressed appreciation for the initiative of the core group of (L.21) on adequate housing to merge the thematic and mandate resolutions. It further acknowledged the flexibility shown in taking into consideration a number of Egypt’s proposals and incorporating elements related to situations of occupation.

At the same time, Egypt wished to place on record its dissociation from the reference to equal inheritance rights contained in Operative Paragraph 1(h), stating that it does not align with the applicable national legal framework governing matters of inheritance, particularly with respect to Muslims in Egypt.

Beyond the aforementioned resolutions, Egypt presented further broader comments regarding several resolutions considered under the same agenda item.

Egypt stated its dissociation from concepts and references that do not enjoy consensus and lack a clear definition under international human rights law, including references to multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.

Egypt further reaffirmed that the definition and interpretation of the term gender, as well as gender-related concepts, should remain aligned with its own national and cultural context.

With regard to a human rights-based approach, Egypt emphasized its understanding of the concept as being grounded in States’ obligations under international human rights law.

Finally, Egypt reiterated that its understanding of the concept of human rights defenders remains based on the Declaration on the Rights and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.