A/HRC/14/17 68. The Netherlands noted positive developments, especially Egypt’s pledge to review its legal definition of torture and to ensure consistency with CAT. It noted that several journalists and bloggers had been convicted for their writings, and asked whether Egypt would consider revising laws regulating political parties and loosening restrictions on the establishment of new political parties. The Netherlands made recommendations 69. Philippines congratulated Egypt for ratifying almost all international human rights treaties. Philippines asked about measures undertaken as a party to the Palermo protocol, the magnitude of the problem of human trafficking and legislation to address the issue. Philippines made recommendations. 70. Finland inquired about the support available for the National Council for Women, the involvement of civil society in combating violence against women and enhancing women’s participation, and the implementation of the law criminalizing FGM. Finland made recommendations. 71. Switzerland noted the pledge by Egypt to adopt a new definition of torture in national law in accordance with international law and referred to thousands of persons reportedly administratively detained without being formally charged. Switzerland made recommendations. 72. Belgium made reference to the Emergency Law adopted in 1981 and to the antiterrorism law under discussion. It welcomed Egypt’s commitment to align the definition of torture with international law but noted that the use of torture is reportedly common. It asked on actions taken to prevent it and made reference to the death penalty. Belgium made recommendations. 73. Bolivia underscored Egypt’s efforts to guarantee the right to food and encouraged the Government to continue these efforts. Egypt was also encouraged to continue its work to increase access to potable water and sanitation in rural areas. Bolivia made recommendations. 74. Israel noted that Egypt remains a lead actor in Arab-Israeli peace. Israel mentioned that while Egypt has been active in multinational human rights sphere, the human rights situation in Egypt remains of concern. Israel made recommendations. 75. Sweden asked Egypt to elaborate on its strategy to eradicate torture in line with its commitments under CAT and ICCPR. It noted with concern that censorship and monitoring of bloggers and other Internet users has increased in recent years. It also recalled credible reports alleging that a fundamental problem for the realization of human rights in Egypt lies in the continued enforcement of the State of Emergency. Sweden made recommendations. 76. Greece welcomed Egypt’s recent efforts to improve the human rights protection system and its intention to introduce a new antiterrorism law. It asked Egypt to consider signing and ratifying the Optional Protocols to the core human rights instruments. Greece made recommendations. 77. Regarding female genital mutilation, Egypt stated that it was committed to eradicating this practice, that its occurrence had been curbed among school-age girls, and that the practice had been criminalized in the Penal Code. In addition, a child helpline had been established, through which counselling was provided to families with girls at risk and through which violations could be reported. Child protection committees established at governmental level also ensured follow-up. Strategies for the future envisaged the integration of content on this issue in the curricula of schools and Universities. 78. Egypt noted that that the state of emergency had been necessitated by political assassinations and terrorist attacks, emphasizing that it was only applied in relation to terrorism and drug related crimes and within the framework of constitutional guarantees. In 10