UNHCR highlights Egypt’s inclusive refugee policy amid global challenges

CAIRO - 7 November 2024: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reiterated that Egypt opposes establishing refugee camps on its soil, instead integrating refugees into urban areas among its citizens.

Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees, praised Egypt’s commitment to hosting refugees within local communities, fostering social integration in cities rather than in isolated camps.

Speaking at the sixth forum session titled “Losing Home” during the World Urban Forum in Cairo, Mazou highlighted the UNHCR’s mission to provide temporary housing for refugees, especially internally displaced people (IDPs), through a humanitarian-focused approach. He emphasized that tackling displacement issues requires a global response involving international bodies, like the World Bank, private sectors, and other development partners, who are essential for creating job opportunities for refugees and IDPs.

Ana Claudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, underscored the alarming scale of displacement due to conflict, noting the destruction of 1.4 million homes in Ukraine, 660,000 in Gaza, and 200,000 in Lebanon. She stressed the importance of building sustainable communities and robust infrastructure to generate employment and improve social stability.

Rossbach highlighted the importance of collaboration with international institutions, including the World Bank, to secure funding for sustainable solutions, with UN-Habitat committed to supporting long-term housing strategies in partnership with governments and local organizations.

Sami Hajawi, Palestinian Minister of Local Government, reaffirmed the Palestinian commitment to the right of return, noting that “home” represents an intrinsic identity for Palestinians. He emphasized that Palestinians feel this connection most deeply on their own land, where their individual and collective identity is rooted.

In 2023 alone, 110 million people were displaced due to conflict and violence, with climate change worsening their living conditions and intensifying basic needs. Forum participants, including leaders and experts, shared insights on local urban responses to crises in areas like Gaza, Syria, Iraq, and Ukraine. The discussions highlighted innovative solutions, successful local rebuilding efforts, and the challenges in reconstruction to help guide policy-making and foster social cohesion in crisis-hit areas.