As protests in Cairo spread to Egypt’s parliament and strikes are reported in other cities, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for “bold reforms, not repression”, urging restraint and “full respect for human rights, in particular the freedoms of expression, association and information”. He also underscored that Egypt’s role in seeking peace between Israel and Palestine must be preserved in any transition.
Mr Ban visited the UK on 2-3 February, discussing Egypt with Prime Minister David Cameron, speaking at the International Maritime Organization on piracy, and delivering the Cyril Foster Lecture at the University of Oxford. The Secretary-General used the lecture to emphasise that human security was just as important as the security of states. He noted that “there are times when [Secretaries-General] should use our ‘bully pulpit’ to address the peoples’ concerns, particularly when it comes to this important pillar of the UN: human rights”.
On Saturday 12 February UNA-UK members will be taking part in a Global Day of Action to demonstrate solidarity with the people of Egypt, organised by a coalition of NGOs, trade unions and religious organisations from around the world. The main event in the UK will take place from 12 to 2pm in Trafalgar Square in London, with speeches by Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International, and activities from the Middle East and North Africa.
Click here for more information about the Global Day of Action
