Egypt took part in the high-level meeting reviewing progress on the implementation of the Global Refugee Forum outcomes, hosted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva, where it announced three new pledges underscoring its continued commitment to refugee protection and international cooperation.
Speaking at the meeting, Ambassador Amr El-Sharbiney, Assistant Foreign Minister for Multilateral Affairs and International Security, outlined Egypt’s latest commitments. The first pledge focuses on supporting the establishment and activation of a national asylum system in line with the Foreigners’ Asylum Law enacted in 2024. The second aims to expand the scope of service delivery and support provided to refugees.
The third centers on strengthening multidimensional responses to forced displacement and its implications for security and development in the region and across Africa, in parallel with peacebuilding efforts.
The third pledge will be implemented through two regional training programs for the Arab world and Africa, to be carried out by the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA), reflecting Egypt’s emphasis on capacity-building and regional cooperation.
El-Sharbiney delivered Egypt’s national statement during the session, highlighting ongoing efforts to develop a transitional roadmap toward a fully integrated national asylum system pursuant to Law No. 164 of 2024. The statement also drew attention to the significant responsibilities borne by Egypt as a host country to millions of refugees and asylum seekers, and the substantial economic and social burdens associated with this role.
Egypt stressed the importance of the international community fulfilling its obligations toward host countries, in line with the principle of burden- and responsibility-sharing, a cornerstone of the Global Compact on Refugees. The statement further reflected Egypt’s appreciation for its close cooperation with UNHCR and its sustained efforts in supporting refugees.
In this context, Egypt commended UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on the occasion of the conclusion of his mandate at the end of the year, noting the constructive cooperation with Egypt during his tenure and his notable contributions to refugee protection.
On the sidelines of the meeting, El-Sharbiney participated as a speaker in two thematic events. The first addressed the situation in Sudan, where he highlighted Egypt’s intensive efforts to support a peaceful resolution to the crisis, as well as its role in hosting millions of Sudanese refugees and providing them with protection and essential services. The second focused on national asylum systems, during which he emphasized the legal safeguards for refugee rights enshrined in Egypt’s new asylum law, in line with the country’s international obligations.
Egypt’s participation reaffirmed its position as a key regional actor in refugee hosting and protection, while reiterating the need for stronger global solidarity to address one of the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges.
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