Egypt is grappling with the impact of over 1.2 million Sudanese refugees who have crossed its borders over the last 19 months due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
The UNHCR has urged the global community to support Egypt as it contends with strained resources and infrastructure.
“The burden on Egypt is unsustainable,” said Hanan Hamdan, UNHCR’s representative in Egypt. “We are appealing for immediate international assistance to bolster Egypt’s humanitarian response.”
Every day, thousands more flee Sudan, driven by widespread violence, famine, and a severe shortage of essential services, the agency noted.
Despite the Egyptian government’s commitment to providing international protection, the sheer scale of the crisis has overwhelmed its capacities. The UNHCR stressed the need for more funding to support Egypt’s refugee programs and called for global cooperation to find sustainable solutions, including resettlement in third countries.
The appeal comes as the 2024 Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan remains underfunded, with only $1.52 billion secured so far, underscoring the pressing need for enhanced international aid.
