Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) joined Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08) as Co-Chair of the Egypt Human Rights Caucus for the 119th Congress.  

Both Members of Congress have consistently advocated for human rights in Egypt, speaking out on behalf of people unjustly imprisoned by the Egyptian government. The caucus was first established in 2021, and DelBene and Beyer look forward to expanding its membership in the weeks ahead. 

“I am joining the Egypt Human Rights Caucus as Co-Chair to support Congressional efforts focused on protecting liberties and democratic principles in Egypt,” said DelBene. “These issues affect many constituents in my district who have family wrongly detained by the current Egyptian government and we must shine a light on this injustice.” 

“The Egyptian people’s hopes for self-determination, freedom, and social justice inspired the world in 2011. Unprecedented repression and grave human rights violations have not extinguished those hopes,” said Beyer. “Egypt remains an important ally, but its lack of progress on improving its human rights record remains a major concern, and we must stand up to demand better of our closest allies.” 

“The re-emergence of the Egypt Human Rights Caucus comes at a crucial time, demonstrating to the Egyptian government that despite changes in Washington there are members of Congress who remain committed to advancing human rights in Egypt and see it as critical to the U.S.-Egypt relationship,” said Seth Binder, Director of Advocacy, Middle East Democracy Center. 

“Amid a severe economic crisis and a deteriorating human rights situation, the US administration and Congress have a critical role to play in supporting Egypt, as its close ally, to take the necessary steps to address the unmet needs of its population for inclusive economic progress, accountable and just governance, and protection of the rule of law. The Egypt Human Rights Caucus has been a leader in Congress in ensuring that the economic, social, cultural, and political rights of Egyptians be centered and respected in US-Egypt policy, and we welcome its renewal, its new members, and its continued leadership during a significant moment for Egypt,” said Mai El-Sadany, Executive Director, Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy. 

“Egypt continues to be in the throes of a crisis of impunity for human rights violations. The authorities continue to restrict freedom of expression, muzzle independent civil society, and effectively criminalize peaceful assembly. Thousands languish unjustly behind bars solely for the peaceful exercise of their human rights. It is critically important for members of Congress to work on U.S. policies that support human rights in Egypt and advance accountability for violations,” said Elizabeth Rghebi, MENA Advocacy Director, Amnesty International. 

“Egypt currently ranks as the sixth-worst jailer of journalists worldwide, with 17 journalists currently behind bars, seven of whom were arrested in 2024. Members of the press face enforced disappearances, torture, and severe repression, while independent media outlets are systematically denied registration and blocked online. This alarming deterioration of press freedom demands urgent attention. CPJ welcomes the re-establishment of the Egypt Human Rights Caucus and urges the U.S. Congress to prioritize addressing the escalating press freedom crisis in Egypt,” said Mohamed Mandour, Committee to Protect Journalists.