UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND COUNTER TERRORISM TO VISIT EGYPT

15 April 2009

GENEVA: - - The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Mr. Martin Scheinin, will visit Egypt from 17 to 21 April at the invitation of the Government.

Mr. Scheinin welcomes Egypt’s engagement with the mandate. It will be a unique opportunity for the Special Rapporteur to learn about and discuss the country’s counter-terrorism law and practice with the objective of helping to ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the fight against terrorism.

The Special Rapporteur is scheduled to have high level meetings with government officials from a number of relevant ministries, including foreign affairs, human rights and parliamentary affairs, interior and justice. He is expected to engage with the judiciary, prosecutors, law enforcement, the legislative houses and the national human rights institution. He will also meet with representatives of the international community, lawyers, academics and non-governmental organizations.

After this initial visit, the Special Rapporteur will continue to engage with the Government and other relevant stakeholders in order to finalize his mission report by the end of 2009. The report will be submitted to a future session of the Human Rights Council.


Mr. Scheinin accepted the appointment of Special Rapporteur by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights on 7 August 2005. The mandate, established by Resolution 2005/80, was renewed by Resolution 6/28 by the Human Rights Council.
Mr. Scheinin is Professor of Public International Law at the European University Institute.

For further information on the mandate of the Special Rapporteur, please visit the website: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/terrorism/rapporteur/srchr.htm

For inquiries: + 41 79 444 4552