UNHCR: Over 1.2M Sudanese Individuals Sought Int'l Protection in Egypt

Egypt has emerged as the largest host nation for Sudanese refugees escaping the ongoing conflict in Sudan, as reported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Friday, November 8, 2024.

According to recent statistics from the Egyptian government, over 1.2 million Sudanese individuals have sought international protection in Egypt since the onset of hostilities in mid-April 2023.

The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in the forced displacement of three million people, many of whom have sought refuge in neighboring countries and beyond.

In its statement, the UNHCR emphasized that the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan has placed significant strain on Egypt's resources and infrastructure.

"While the Egyptian government has shown generosity and a commitment to providing international protection, its capacities are now severely stretched," the UN refugee agency remarked.

The arrival of Sudanese refugees has further augmented the existing Sudanese population in Egypt, which is already estimated at five million, according to recent statements from government officials.

The UNHCR has urged the international community to provide urgent support to Egypt in this humanitarian endeavor, stressing that the responsibility for delivering humanitarian and development assistance must be a collective global effort.

"The burden on Egypt is unsustainable and necessitates immediate and substantial international aid to ensure the protection and welfare of those affected by the conflict," stated Dr. Hanan Hamdan, UNHCR Representative to the Government of Egypt and the League of Arab States.

The UN refugee agency reported that the Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan for 2024 has secured $1.52 billion in funding, which accounts for 56.3 percent of the total required amount of $2.7 billion.

Despite this considerable funding, a significant gap remains, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced international support to meet the escalating demands of the crisis, the agency added.

Egypt has consistently committed to providing comprehensive care for those in need.