Egypt, UN Launch Joint Platform for Migrants, Refugees

Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry and the United Nations high-ranking representatives in Egypt launched the Joint Platform for Migrants and Refugees during a high-level event on Thursday at the headquarters of the Ministry.

In his address, Minister Shoukry stated that “Considering its status as a country of origin, transit, and destination, Egypt adopted a comprehensive approach to deal with different flows of migration, while engaging internationally on discussions related to finding ways of promoting a more positive discourse on migrants."

He added: "It has always been our belief that good migration governance represents a ‘triple win’ for countries of origin, destination, and migrants".

In the same context, he revealed that “for decades, Egypt has hosted those in need of protection and adopted an approach based on the respect of human rights of migrants and refugees, and which allows for their integration in the Egyptian society while eliminating all forms of discrimination against them, and ensuring that ‘no one is left behind’ in sharing the benefits of the socio-economic development.”

On the other hand, the United Nations Resident Coordinator to Egypt, Ms. Elena Panova said that the UN has a humanitarian and protection imperative, and a real development opportunity to enhance these efforts and make a difference in the lives of these afflicted groups that are at risk of being left behind, while enhancing the resilience of their host communities in Egypt.

"We look forward to working with the government and other partners to deliver on this agenda.”

The Joint Platform is an initiative by the Government of Egypt in cooperation with  United Nations partners in Egypt that brings together the government, UN, development partners, donors, and other stakeholders.

It's worth mentioning that this initiative also aims at enhancing coordination, ensuring better delivery, and mobilizing resources to realize long-term, sustainable development gains for migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and their host communities, enhancing social inclusion and cohesion.

[caption id="attachment_285408" align="aligncenter" width="628"] Egypt, UN Launch Joint Platform for Migrants, Refugees[/caption]