‘Masks have fallen’: Egypt says no country has authority to judge its human rights

CAIRO – 25 December 2025: Egypt on Thursday said that some countries that previously lectured Cairo on human rights no longer hold any moral authority following recent events, including the war in Gaza.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told a meeting of the Senate’s human rights committee that “the masks have fallen,” citing actions by some nations against students participating in peaceful protests such as deportation or revocation of residency.

The foreign minister stated that no state has the right to position itself as a judge over Egypt regarding human rights.

‘Political Pressure’

Abdelatty stressed that Egypt applies international standards in a manner consistent with the interests of its citizens and the country’s sovereignty, without yielding to external agendas or political pressure.

He reaffirmed Egypt’s full rejection of any attempt to use human rights as a tool for political pressure or empty criticism, calling such practices completely unacceptable.

Egypt’s concept of human rights is comprehensive and reflects realities on the ground, Abdelatty said, highlighting the country’s focus on protecting fundamental rights and freedoms while supporting sustainable development.

 

Religious Freedoms, Identity

While certain aspects of cultural and religious privacy enjoy broad international consensus, some issues remain without full global agreement, Abdelatty said.

The minister explained that some demands raised under the banner of human rights are incompatible with Egypt's religious, cultural, and civilizational specificities, including demands related to LGBTQ+ rights.

Abdelatty stressed the importance of respecting the cultural, religious, and civilizational specificities of the Egyptian state, affirming that Egypt is committed to its national, religious, and cultural principles.

"It is my right to adhere to my religious and cultural specificities as an Egyptian state with its own principles."