Egypt plays central role in hosting refugees from Sudan: UNHCR chief to Sisi

Ahram Online , Monday 29 May 2023

Egypt plays a central regional and international role in hosting large numbers of refugees of different nationalities who fled the Sudanese conflict, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on Monday.

UNHCR
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi in a meeting with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi on Monday


Grandi is in Egypt on a three-day visit.

According to Spokesperson for the Egyptian Presidency Ahmed Fahmy, Grandi expressed his appreciation for Egypt’s intensive efforts towards settling the crisis and restoring security and stability in Sudan.

He also affirmed his keenness to enhance cooperation in supporting displaced people hosted in Egypt.

The UNHCR chief had inspected the Egyptian-Sudanese border crossings on Sunday to ensure that Sudanese refugees were provided the adequate support from UN Egypt teams.

Grandi hailed Egypt's efforts with UN organizations and the Egyptian Red Crescent to help Sudanese and other refugees escape the war in Egypt's southern neighbour.

The international community as well as donors must provide support to hosting countries, he reiterated.

El-Sisi affirmed the refugees issue and all forms of displacement should be dealt with through "a comprehensive approach."

This approach is meant to address the roots of conflict and achieve security, political stability, and inclusive sustainable development, El-Sisi added.

The president also expressed appreciation for the UNHCR efforts to confront the escalating crisis in Sudan.

According to the UNHCR, Egypt is the largest host of Sudanese fleeing the conflict, with an estimated arrival rate of over 5,000 individuals per day.

On Sunday, the Egyptian foreign ministry stated that "to date, 164,000 Sudanese have been granted access to Egypt through its southern borders."

Short link: