Egypt supports the renewal of the mandate of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action
Author : Ingy Ihab Published at : Mar 31, 2026
Ingy Ihab
During the 54th meeting held on 31 March 2026, the Human Rights Council adopted resolution (A/HRC/61/L.6/Rev.1) concerning the ‘Mandate of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action’. The resolution was adopted without a vote.
In this context, Egypt expressed strong support for draft resolution concerning the renewal of the mandate of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Egypt emphasized the importance of the Durban framework as a comprehensive mechanism designed to combat racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.
Egypt also welcomed the updates reflected in the draft resolution, particularly the request directed to the Chair of the Intergovernmental Working Group to intensify efforts toward the elaboration of a draft United Nations Declaration on the Promotion and Full Respect of the Human Rights of People of African Descent.
At the same time, Egypt underscored the continuing urgency of the issue. Twenty-five years after the adoption of the Durban Declaration, deep concern remains over the rise of contemporary manifestations of racism, including discrimination against migrants and people of African descent, alongside the increasing spread of xenophobia, islamophobia, and hate speech, including instances involving public officials.
In that context, Egypt stressed that non-discrimination constitutes a cornerstone of the international human rights system and that the realization of human rights cannot be fully achieved where discrimination in any form persists.
Egypt concluded by emphasizing that greater efforts are required to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Advancing equality and eliminating racism in all its forms, Egypt stressed, remains a collective responsibility shared by the international community.