Egypt & UN on Human Rights

Independent Films, Politics, Web Series, Women

As events in Egypt unfold rapidly, the United Nations attempts to stay ahead of the situation, particularly on human rights. Probably more than most member states, the UN Human Rights Commissioner issues support for safety but also the protester's demands of political and other fundamental rights.

Transcripts / Production notes / Scripts

Mrs Navi Pillay, High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations:
"I would endorse the message of the Secretary General that the Egyptian Authorities should listen to the voices from the street who are calling for reform and end of abuses. They are calling for their civil, political and economic rights."

RECENT 2011, GENEVA SWITZERLAND

3. Wide shot, Palais des Nations headquarters

01 FEBRUARY 2011, GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Mrs Navi Pillay, High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations:
"Governments, particularly Governments in the region are watching the events very carefully and I'm hoping, and I call on them to react positively to change and not use repressive measures to suppress protest. If you watch the protests in Egypt, these are very legitimate calls for fundamental freedoms that are being made here and Governmental Authorities should be responsive to calls such as that."

RECENT 2011, GENEVA SWITZERLAND

5. Wide shot, Palais des Nations headquarters

STORYLINE:

The United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay praised the popular movement in Egypt today (1 February 2011) describing it as a pivotal moment in the country.

Pillay endorsed the message of the Secretary General that the Egyptian Authorities should listen to the voices from the street calling for reform and end of abuses.

“They are calling for their civil, political and economic rights," Pillay said.

The High Commissioner also urged authorities to ensure the police and army avoid any excessive use of force and work to protect civilians.

She also called for Governments in the region to sit up and take notice of what was happening, saying that "if you watch the protests in Egypt, these are very legitimate calls for fundamental freedoms that are being made here and Governmental Authorities should be responsive to calls such as that."

Tags

• Egypt
• human rights
• protests

Directors:

• Muhamed Sacirbey, UNTV

Producers:

• Susan Sacirbey