A group photo of officials following the signing ceremony of the “Building National Capacities to Combat Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants” project, launched by CCCPA in cooperation with the Dutch government. Photo courtesy of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry
The project, titled Building National Capacities to Combat Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants, is the first collaboration between the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding in Africa (CCCPA) and the Dutch government. It is being implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Egypt.
Officials say the initiative reflects shared priorities between Egypt and the Netherlands, particularly in addressing migration challenges linked to conflict and forced displacement.
The launch ceremony in Cairo brought together senior officials, including Egypt’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abu Bakr Hefny, CCCPA Director-General Seif Kandeel, Dutch Minister of Asylum and Migration Marjolein Faber, and UNDP Resident Representative Alessandro Fracassetti.
Speaking at the event, Hefny called for international cooperation based on shared responsibility, especially in regions experiencing mass displacement due to conflict.
Kandeel echoed the need to strengthen national institutions' resilience, urging a shift from crisis management to sustainable, long-term solutions.
Faber praised Egypt’s “comprehensive approach” to migration, which she said takes into account the humanitarian, political, and security dimensions of human mobility.
Fracassetti, representing UNDP, described trafficking and irregular migration as among the most pressing global challenges, noting that the project seeks to tackle root causes through prevention, justice sector support, and development.
Cairo's migration model
The announcement coincides with Egypt’s renewed push to present itself as a regional model in managing migration. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty this week reaffirmed Cairo’s commitment to a comprehensive strategy that balances development and security while emphasising cooperation and human dignity.
Speaking during the second ministerial meeting of the Khartoum Process—a joint initiative between the European Union and Horn of Africa launched in 2014—Abdelatty said migration management must focus on root causes, equitable partnerships, and support for migrant-hosting communities.
According to the Egyptian government, more than 10 million foreigners currently reside in the country, including refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants from 133 countries.
Officials have repeatedly stated that Egypt will not become a transit hub for migrants seeking to cross to Europe.
Since launching its national strategy against irregular migration in 2016, authorities say no migrant boats have departed from Egyptian shores.
That strategy has since evolved into a broader framework. In October 2024, Egypt’s National Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons (NCCPIM&TIP) launched its fourth national action plan, covering 2024-2026.
The plan is part of a broader national effort to curb irregular migration and dismantle trafficking networks.
In 2019, Egypt launched the Lifeboats Initiative, allocating EGP 250 million to create job opportunities in 70 villages that have experienced high levels of irregular migration.
European support has followed.
In June 2024, the EU granted Egypt €80 million to strengthen its border management, enhance search-and-rescue operations, and bolster its anti-smuggling capacities.
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