This programme will be implemented by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

This joint UN programme builds upon the existing framework of the Joint UN-Egypt Platform for Migrants and Refugees, said the statement.

This platform was established in November 2021 through a collaborative effort between the Egyptian government and the UN to better identify and respond to the needs of migrants and refugees, mobilize additional resources, and enhance coordination among development actors in Egypt.

Additionally, Egypt remains committed to providing essential services, such as healthcare and education, to refugees and migrants in vulnerable situations, despite the rising needs due to the influx of Sudanese refugees since April 2023, the statement noted. 

This influx has reached 500,000 refugees, in addition to the five million Sudanese already residing in Egypt, according to the Egyptian foreign ministry.

Amr Aljowaily, assistant foreign minister for multilateral affairs and international security ambassador, highlighted that “Egypt adopts a comprehensive approach that allows for the integration of migrants and refugees into Egyptian society through a no-camp policy and by providing basic services.”

He welcomed the launch of this “first forward-looking project under the Joint UN-Egypt Platform, which comprehensively addresses migration and refugee issues, particularly focusing on economic and social development.”

Aljowaily also expressed high expectations that the programme, supported by UN agencies and the EU, will enhance coordination and funding for essential education and health services for migrants, refugees, and host communities. 

EU and UN roles
 

Acknowledging Egypt's efforts towards Sudanese refugees and intending to foster solidarity and responsibility sharing, the programme, which is supported by 12.2 million euros from the EU, will partner with the Egyptian government to address basic health and education needs and enhance resilience and protection for the less-advantaged migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers living in Egypt and their host communities.

The EU’s support of the Egyptian government in this project is part of the strategic partnership between Egypt and the EU, adopted in March 2024, where both agreed to cooperate in supporting Egypt’s efforts to host refugees while committing to the protection of the rights of migrants and refugees.

Head of the EU Delegation to Egypt Christian Berger highlighted the EU's ongoing support of Egypt's efforts to improve services to refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants and to strengthen the resilience of host communities.

Berger also praised Egypt's long-standing history of hosting significant numbers of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers while implementing an out-of-camp policy and providing basic amenities.

He highlighted the importance of exploring resettlement opportunities and safe and legal pathways to the EU for refugees hosted in Egypt, as this support aligns with the principle of burden and responsibility sharing.

Similarly, the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt Elena Panova highlighted “the vital importance of sharing the responsibility in upholding the rights of migrants and refugees. As one of the primary host countries in the region, Egypt stands at a crossroads in its response, facing unprecedented challenges brought on by global displacement.”

“The responsibility of caring for and safeguarding people on the move cannot rest solely on the shoulders of Egypt; it demands a collective response from the international community and national partners,” she added.