On World Refugee Day, Egypt urges increased global efforts to support host countries

CAIRO – 20 June 2024: Egypt observed World Refugee Day, an annual United Nations event honoring refugees worldwide, and called for intensified global efforts to alleviate pressures on countries hosting them.

In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Egypt currently hosts refugees and asylum seekers from 62 different nationalities.

“Egypt has long provided a safe haven for those who have sought refuge within its borders, driven by challenging circumstances in their home countries,” the statement said.

The ministry emphasized Egypt's commitment to international obligations in hosting refugees, adopting policies that respect their human rights and dignity.

Egypt also ensures the freedom of movement for refugees within its territory, facilitates their integration into society, and provides essential services on par with Egyptian citizens.

On this occasion, Egypt stressed the importance of multiplying international efforts to ensure fair and sustainable burden and responsibility-sharing.

This can be achieved through mobilizing the necessary resources to meet the needs of refugees and alleviating the pressures on host countries, the statement said.

“In a global context where crises are escalating and intersecting, and with the number of refugees reaching unprecedented levels worldwide, international cooperation remains the only path for an effective and sustainable response to refugee issues.

Safe, decent return

Meanwhile, Egypt highlighted the need for addressing refugee issues from a comprehensive perspective that recognizes the interplay between the humanitarian and development dimensions, thereby strengthening the resilience of host communities.

This approach should be coupled with intensified efforts to achieve peace and address the root causes of crises in refugees' countries of origin, the ministry said.

This would create favorable conditions for the safe and dignified return of refugees to their home countries, while preventing the recurrence of such crises, the ministry stressed.

Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with international organizations focused on refugee issues.

The country will continue regional and international endeavors to support conflict resolution, promote peacebuilding efforts, and achieve sustainable development, the statement said.

Today we honour the people who had no choice but to leave home because of war, violence and persecution, and those who host and support them.

No better way to do so than celebrate #WorldRefugeeDay in Africa, where displacement is a big challenge but solidarity is a shared value. pic.twitter.com/XeK7gSUIpA

— Filippo Grandi (@FilippoGrandi) June 20, 2024

Observed annually on June 20, World Refugee Day commemorates the courage of those forced to seek safe refuge due to conflicts or fear of persecution in their home countries.

The day was held globally for the first time in 2001, marking the golden jubilee of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.

The day was formerly known as Africa Refugee Day before the UN General Assembly changed it to an international day in 2000.

“This day serves as a reminder of the plight of millions of people around the globe who have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety and a dignified life,” the foreign ministry said.

“It is also an opportunity to renew solidarity with refugees and the host communities that have welcomed them,” read the statement.

Hosting millions

Egypt, with a population of over 106 million people, has repeatedly stated that it hosts around nine million refugees who receive basic services and are treated similarly to Egyptian citizens.

The country has called for assistance from the international community to support the large number of refugees it accommodates.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli stated in April that Egypt bears a burden of over $10 billion annually to host millions of refugees.

These refugees include a significant number of Sudanese people, with their flow increasing due to the ongoing Sudanese war since 2023.

On a crucial mission to White Nile State #Sudan🇸🇩, our High Commissioner @FilippoGrandi witnessed the harsh realities faced by families #ForcedToFlee by the conflict.

With dire, overcrowded living conditions & the rainy season underway, global support is more critical than ever. pic.twitter.com/cVPjrnzerj

— UNHCR Sudan (@UNHCRinSudan) June 19, 2024

According to Amnesty International, an estimated 500,000 Sudanese refugees have entered Egypt since the outbreak of the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023.

Egypt has been hosting millions of Sudanese people even before the conflict began.

Additionally, Egypt hosts millions of refugees from crisis-stricken countries such as Syria, Yemen, and Libya.