The United Nations Human Rights Council has published a written statement submitted by the Committee for Justice (CFJ) during its 63rd session, held from 7 September to 9 October 2026. The statement, issued as UN document No. A/HRC/63/NGO/388, was submitted under agenda item 3 to contribute to the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, following his country visit to Egypt from 7 to 18 February 2026.
Entitled “Guaranteeing the Rights to Water and Sanitation in Egypt Requires Transparency, Participation and Protection from Reprisals,” the statement welcomed the Special Rapporteur’s visit and engaged with his findings and recommendations, while drawing attention to concerns relating to unequal access to water and sanitation, transparency, public participation, accountability and the situation of persons and communities in vulnerable circumstances.
The statement placed particular emphasis on restrictions affecting independent civil society and the fear of reprisals faced by researchers, social actors and human rights defenders seeking to engage on environmental and human rights issues. CFJ stressed that meaningful, informed and safe participation is an essential component of a human rights-based approach to water and sanitation, and called for an environment in which individuals and civil society can document concerns, submit complaints and engage with international human rights mechanisms without fear of retaliation.
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