Egypt, UNHCR discuss mobilizing resources to back national aid efforts at Sudan border

CAIRO – 26 May 2023: Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi have discussed the necessity that the UNHCR mobilize the required resources to support the national efforts at the Egyptian-Sudanese border.

In a meeting in Geneva on Thursday, Shoukry and Grandi discussed the need to back the Egyptian efforts in this regard to extend humanitarian and medical care and aid at the border for the displaced who are fleeing the conflict in Sudan.

This comes in light of Egypt’s commitment since the start of the Sudanese crisis to open its borders for those fleeing the conflict in line with the Egyptian regional and international obligations, a statement by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

So far, Egypt has received 121,000 citizens from Sudan, most of whom are women, children and elderly, the ministry said.

The two sides discussed enhancing cooperation and partnership between Egypt and the UNHCR in light of the huge burdens shouldered by the government to host nine million migrants and refugees, the ministry added.

During the meeting, Shoukry reviewed Egypt’s policy toward migrants and refugees, which is based on respecting human rights, respecting their dignity, non-discrimination between them and Egyptian citizens and providing equal services to them, especially with regard to health and education.

Shoukry said Egypt and the commission celebrate 70 years of cooperation this year, expressing his aspiration to strengthen this partnership during the coming period.

Shoukry also met on Thursday with Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Amy Pope.

During the meeting, Shoukry stressed Egypt’s keenness on promoting cooperation with the IOM with a view to assuaging burdens on Egypt as a result of hosting nine million migrants.

Egypt also looks forward to enhancing partnership with the IOM to ensure comprehensive management of immigration and enhance sustainable development, Shoukry said.