UNHCR's Representative Highlights Egypt's Tradition of Welcoming, Integrating Refugees

For many years, Egypt has been accommodating large numbers of refugees and has recently shown a dedicated commitment to help and integrate them, said Hanan Hamdan, UNHCR- the UN refugee agency- Representative for Egypt and the Arab League

This came during a new episode of “Voices of Impact”, the UN in Egypt podcast hosted by Mohamed El-Koossy, Deputy Director of the UN Information Centre in Cairo. The episode sheds light on the collaborative efforts between the UNHCR and the Egyptian authorities.

UNHCR has been present in Egypt since 1954 and has, in the words of Dr. Hamdan, a strong strategic relationship with Egypt, noting that Egypt has always welcomed refugees generously without asking for compensation, which reflects its strong commitment to humanitarian principles.

Hamdan continued that refugees in Egypt live in an environment different from those with refugee camps. In Egypt, explains UNHCR Egypt chief, refugees are allowed to move freely and integrate into the local community, which is seen as a positive aspect compared to countries relying on camps. She notes that Egypt serves as a model to the international community in this regard.

Regarding the role of the UNHCR, Dr. Hamdan mentioned that the primary step involves registering refugees and asylum seekers to ensure they receive the protection and rights mandated by international laws. She noted that there are over 600,000 registered refugees in Egypt, where the UNHCR provides material, psychological, and health assistance, and also helps in providing education and support for children and women.

Dr. Hamdan also discussed the UNHCR’s efforts to find resettlement opportunities for some refugees in other countries, in cases that meet resettlement criteria. She confirmed that the UNHCR also aims to support host communities, like the Egyptian community, through development projects and initiatives to integrate refugees.

Moreover, Hamdan highlighted a successful initiative implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, aimed at training refugees and citizens in software skills, which provides them with opportunities to improve their skills and find employment.

In relation to Gaza crisis, while the legal mandate for Palestinians falls under UNRWA, Dr. Hamdan notes that UNHCR is ready to support the Egyptian government’s efforts in response to the Gaza situation if requested within UNHCR's role in coordinating humanitarian aid and supporting refugee resettlement efforts.

Dr. Hamdan pointed out the strategic partnership between the UNHCR and the Egyptian government, including a joint platform supported by $12.5 million from the European Union to enhance health and education services. She also discussed a comprehensive response plan with a budget of $313.5 million, aimed at addressing the needs of both refugees and host communities.

At the end of the interview, Dr. Hamdan confirmed that Egypt has not requested any support in exchange for hosting refugees, but now it is time for the international community to support Egypt in continuing this important humanitarian role, especially given the economic challenges it faces.

"Amid these efforts, Egypt remains a prominent example of how to support and integrate refugees, and its collaboration with the UNHCR and international partners is a crucial step towards improving refugees’ lives and enhancing the stability of the host community."