The EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights, Kajsa Ollongren, concluded a high-level visit to Egypt underscoring the deepening EU–Egypt partnership and ongoing dialogue on key human rights priorities. EUSR Ollongren visited Egypt from 25 to 27 November 2025. The mission illustrates a regular dialogue between the EU and Egypt on human rights, and marks a deepened relationship between the two partners, including in the context of the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership.

During her visit, the EUSR met with several cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, the Public Prosecutor, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the National Council for Human Rights, UN organisations, civil society and independent media. Throughout her interactions, the EUSR commended the key commitments made by Egypt in the area of human rights, including in the context of its recent election to the UN Human Rights Council, the Universal Periodic Review, National Human Rights Strategy, domestic legislation and international treaties. The EU is ready to support Egypt on its own commitments to advance the freedoms of expression, association and assembly, among others.

The EUSR followed up on previous discussions on Egypt’s national commitments, including reducing the number of crimes punishable by the death penalty and the establishment of a Non-Discrimination Commission. “While many of the key pieces of legislation have been promulgated, including the Criminal Procedures Code or the Asylum Law, implementation in line with international norms and standards will be crucial,” the EUSR emphasized.

As the mission coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the EUSR highlighted the importance of advancing comprehensive legislation on all forms of violence against women and the Personal Status Law that can pave the way towards equality. In addition, all legislative and policy processes will benefit from consultations with diverse civil society and experts in the area of human rights. The EUSR further welcomed initiatives to strengthen the independence and effectiveness of the National Council for Human Rights.

The EUSR continued calling upon the release of persons detained for exercising their legitimate rights as well as those held in excess of the national maximum limits of pre-trial detention. All those detained should have access to a fair trial and should not be rotated into new cases for similar crimes. The EUSR also raised concerns related to continued asset freezes and travel bans on human rights defenders.