{"id":40223,"date":"2026-03-05T11:53:33","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T09:53:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/afteegypt.org\/?p=40223"},"modified":"2026-03-05T11:53:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T09:53:33","slug":"the-implementation-gap-freedom-of-expression-between-international-recommendations-and-public-policy-in-egypt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/afteegypt.org\/en\/research-en\/2026\/03\/05\/40223-afteegypt.html","title":{"rendered":"The Implementation Gap: Freedom of Expression Between International Recommendations and Public Policy in Egypt"},"content":{"rendered":"

Contents<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Methodology<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Introduction<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Section 1: Freedom of Expression and Access to Information within the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Framework.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Section 2: Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in the National Human Rights Strategy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Section 3:<\/strong> Proposed Mechanisms for Translating UPR Recommendations into Policies on the File of Freedom of Expression and Access to Information<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Methodology:<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

This paper examines the transformation of the recommendations received by the Egyptian government during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) into concrete, actionable policies in the context of preparing the National Human Rights Strategy (2026\u20132031). To do so, the paper employs both legal analysis and policy analysis as its primary methodological tools. The paper draws on relevant international human rights instruments, most notably the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), alongside the Egyptian Constitution and a range of domestic laws governing freedom of expression and access to information.<\/p>\n

Introduction:<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Despite Egypt\u2019s formal acceptance of a significant number of UPR recommendations, their impact on public policy and executive action remains marginal. This formal acceptance has not translated into tangible reforms or clear institutional change. Addressing this gap is vital in light of preparations for a new National Human Rights Strategy, envisioned as a continuation of the first strategy (2021\u20132026) and expected to serve as the principal governmental framework for fulfilling Egypt\u2019s international commitments.<\/p>\n

Against this backdrop, the paper focuses on translating recommendations on freedom of expression and access to information from broad commitments into concrete, actionable policies. By embedding these recommendations within the national strategy, the paper seeks to stimulate a shift toward practical interventions that yield a measurable improvement in the domestic rights environment.<\/p>\n

The UPR recommendations concerning freedom of expression and access to information carry particular significance, as this right represents a foundational prerequisite for the exercise of other civil and political rights. As well, it also marks a section, in which Egypt has consistently received a high number of repeated recommendations across multiple review cycles, without corresponding developments in public policy or meaningful legislative reform.<\/p>\n

The core issue addressed in this paper is the lack of a clear mechanism for translating UPR recommendations on freedom of expression and access to information into binding national policies. This gap is further widened by the first National Human Rights Strategy\u2019s reliance on broad formulations that lacks both substantive legislative reforms and measurable implementation indicators.<\/p>\n

The paper is structured into three sections; The first section examines freedom of expression and access to information in the light of UPR, providing an overview of the recommendations addressed to Egypt in this issue and the government\u2019s response. The second section analyzes the National Human Rights Strategy, highlighting what it addresses and crucially what it overlooks concerning freedom of expression, digital rights, media freedom, freedom of creativity, access to information, and academic freedom. Finally, the third section proposes practical mechanisms for translating UPR recommendations on these issues into clearly defined, actionable policies within the framework of the national strategy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Section 1: Freedom of Expression and Access to Information within UPR Framework:<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a United Nations mechanism established in 2006 by UN General Assembly Resolution 60\/251, to periodically review the human rights records of all UN member states. Adapting a participatory and comprehensive approach, the UPR allows each state to review its international obligations, while enabling other states to provide concrete recommendations to enhance the protection of fundamental rights.<\/p>\n

All members of the Human Rights Council participate in the review, where reviewed states submit national reports alongside the Secretary-General\u2019s report and submissions from NGOs and independent national bodies. The UPR is characterized as a cooperative, rather than punitive, evaluation mechanism; within this approach, the UPR offers states a structured action plan to improve their human rights record. It also serves as an official database for tracking recommendations and their implementation within national policy frameworks.[1]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Egypt has participated regularly in the Universal Periodic Review since joining the Human Rights Council, undergoing multiple review cycles that assessed its human rights record across a wide range of issues.[2]<\/sup><\/a> During Egypt\u2019s most recent review cycle in January 2025, the government received over 370 recommendations from 137 states aimed at improving the human rights situation. These recommendations covered a wide spectrum of concerns, including torture, pretrial detention, enforced disappearance, asylum, and other violations.<\/p>\n

Following a review and the consolidation of similar entries, the UPR Working Group issued a report containing 343 recommendations. According to Egypt\u2019s response memorandum, the government fully accepted 264 recommendations (77%), partially supported 16 (5%), and noted 62 others (18%).[3]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Despite the government\u2019s acceptance of a significant number of these recommendations, a widening gap persists between declared international commitments and their actual implementation on the ground, particularly with issues of freedom of and expression. Certain restrictive legislations, security measures, and practices continue to hinder the translation of recommendations into tangible policies.<\/p>\n

The right to freedom of thought and expression is a fundamental human right, underscored by numerous international instruments that define its scope and establish states\u2019 obligations for its protection. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states that ‘Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.’[4]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Similarly, Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) recognizes this right, while outlining the permissible restrictions for specific purposes such as protecting national security or the rights of others, and always in accordance with the principles of necessity and proportionality. [5]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Furthermore, regional instruments such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, along with the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, emphasize that freedom of expression entails the protection of journalists and human rights advocates from any threat or harassment. These rules also guarantee citizens’ rights to access information and participate freely in public discourse. Consequently, freedom of thought and expression is recognized as a fundamental right, extending beyond personal opinion to include media freedom, scientific research, political participation, and access to information. This positions the right as a cornerstone for ensuring democracy, good governance, and protection for other human rights.[6]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

In this regard, Egypt received approximately 31 recommendations related to freedom of expression and information access during the latest UPR cycle, accounting for over 9% of the 343 total recommendations. Of these, 11 recommendations concentrate directly on freedom of thought and expression, while the remaining recommendations engage the issue indirectly through related concerns such as media freedom, the protection of journalists, and guarantees for access to information.<\/p>\n

These recommendations centered on several key pillars: promotion of freedom of opinion and expression for all citizens without discrimination or suppression including digital rights; ensuring press independence and media freedom; and shielding journalists from harassment or arbitrary detention. Furthermore, they called for the protection of human rights defenders and activists exercising their right to peaceful expression, a thorough review of restrictive laws to align them with international standards, and the release of prisoners of conscience, while ending the use of detention as a tool to stifle free speech.<\/p>\n

These recommendations are further detailed as follows:<\/strong><\/span>[7]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n