Egypt, United Nations launch ' Joint Platform for Migrants and Refugees in Egypt'

CAIRO – 4 November 2021: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations launched Thursday the Joint Platform for Migrants and Refugees in Egypt holding a ceremony led by Minister Sameh Shokry and UN Resident Coordinator Elena Panova.

Minister Shokry said in his speech, "given that Egypt is a source, transit, and destination country [for migrants], the government has adopted a comprehensive mechanism to deal with different flows of migration. It also has been participating – on the international level – in discussions pertinent to devising ways to reinforce positive dialogue about migrants. We have always thought that the wise governance of migration represent a gain for the source countries, the destination countries, and the migrants."

The minister added, "Over decades, Egypt hosted those who need protection and adopted a methodology based on respect for the human rights of migrants and refugees, which allows them to get integrated in the Egyptian society. That is coupled with eliminating any discrimination against them, and guaranteeing their reception of the benefits of economic and social development."

The platform is aimed at "consolidating the cooperation between the Egyptian government, the United Nations, development partners, funding entities, and other interest groups," as well as "offering services in a better way," as indicated by a press statement issued by the ministry. That is in addition to better analyzing the needs of migrants and refugees.  

The UN Resident Coordinator Elena stated that Egypt "generously provides the majority of migrants, refugees, and refugee applicants with the basic services such as healthcare and education."

According to previous statements by President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, Egypt hosts almost six million refugees, who are mostly from fellow African countries. The figure also includes 500,000 Syrian refugees.