Egypt Supports the Renewal of the Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Torture While Cautioning Terminology Not Anchored in the Existing Legal Framework
Author : Ingy Ihab Published at : Mar 30, 2026
Ingy Ihab
On 30 March 2026, during the 52nd meeting held at the UN Human Rights Council, draft resolution (A/HRC/61/L.10) on “Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment: mandate of the Special Rapporteur” was adopted without a vote.
Before adoption, Egypt reiterated its unequivocal condemnation of torture and all forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment under all circumstances and without exception. Egypt further reaffirmed the central role of the Convention Against Torture as the comprehensive and legally binding framework governing the obligations of states in this field.
The statement also highlighted the measures undertaken by Egypt at the national level to prevent and address torture. These efforts include the constitutional prohibition and criminalization of torture without limitation, the strengthening of oversight mechanisms over places of detention, and the provision of avenues for redress and rehabilitation.
Egypt welcomed the inclusion within the draft resolution of a reference to situations of occupation,recognizing that torture and ill-treatment in such contexts are often not isolated incidents, however, may instead occur as part of broader and systematic patterns. Nonetheless, Egypt encouraged the penholder to continue engaging on this important issue to ensure its fuller reflection in a manner that contributes to a more comprehensive framing of the mandate and reinforces both the universality and the absolute, non-derogable nature of the prohibition of torture.
While fully recognizing the importance of addressing the needs of all those affected by torture, Egypt expressed concern regarding the introduction of terminology that lacks a clear legal definition under international law. Egypt emphasized that the Convention Against Torture already provides a clear and established legal framework for victims, directly linked to defined rights and corresponding state obligations, including the right to remedy, redress, and rehabilitation under Article 14 of the Convention. Egypt cautioned that broadening this established terminology to include additional categories could create legal ambiguity and blur the scope of existing obligations under international law. For this reason, Egypt stressed that such terminology should be approached carefully and remain firmly anchored within the existing legal framework.
In light of these considerations and recognizing the importance of renewing the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Torture, Egypt joined the consensus on the draft resolution on the understanding that it neither expands nor alters the scope of existing legal obligations. Egypt also expressed hope that future iterations of the resolution would more clearly reflect these legal considerations.