UN High Commissioner for Refugees praises Egypt for ‘long-term’ protection of refugees

CAIRO - 12 June 2014: Dr. Hanan Hamdan, representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Egypt, thanked the Egyptian government and people on Wednesday for “their generosity and long-term protection provided to refugees fleeing conflicts.” 

She added that the Egyptian government reiterated its longstanding commitment to refugees, emphasizing that Egypt needs solidarity from everyone.

This came as UNHCR celebrated World Refugee Day during a ceremony that included government officials and a number of representatives of United Nations programs.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Egypt said conflicts and disasters caused by climate change, along with a difficult economic situation for many countries have led many to flee their homes.

Refugees need opportunities to learn, participate, and feel a sense of belonging and creativity, Hamdan said. 

She added that standing in the face of adversity is not easy, thanking the countries hosting refugees, highlighting that this is a testimony to the humanity everyone involved.