Nermien Riad Speaks at the United Nations General Assembly
Last week, Coptic Orphans was one of four civil society representatives selected to give a statement at the United Nations’ General Assembly high-level meeting on minority rights.
I used this rare opportunity to highlight the remarkable story of the Copts. Despite decades of persecution, the Copts have endured and flourished. Our mere existence in Egypt, is our witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yet, with the work we do, we lead the way for real development and peace-building.
God willing, this is only the first of many opportunities for more Copts to have our voices heard on an international level.
Coptic Orphans has held consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 2020.
The meeting commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities at the Trusteeship Council Chambers at the UN Headquarters in New York City.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the UN Declaration in 1992 and it is “the most important UN instrument devoted to minority rights,” according to the UN Office of the High Commissioner, as it “provides guidance and key standards ranging from non-discrimination to effective participation of minorities in decision-making in all areas of everyday life.”