Cairo, May 17, 2023 - Over the past month, a total of over 80,000 people coming from Sudan have entered the Egyptian borders. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) forecasts that a total of 350,000 people could arrive in Egypt within the next six months. Since May 3rd, the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) has tracked the arrival of approximately 4700-4800 refugees per day crossing the Qustul borders into Egypt and then into the Aswan governorate.
“Egypt has offered a warm welcome for Sudanese refugees. The Government has been providing significant support to tens of thousands of people fleeing Sudan at such a difficult time. At the same time, we must pay tribute to Egyptian citizens who have shown solidarity and generosity to the new arrivals,” said Dr. Hazem Fahmy, CARE Egypt CEO.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated its commitment to keeping the Egyptian-Sudanese borders open and to not implementing any encampment policy. UNHCR is planning a total outflow of 860,000 refugees and returnees from Sudan, the most expected countries for arrivals being Egypt and South Sudan.
Sudanese refugees arriving in Egypt need food, water, shelter, clothing, sanitizers, menstrual pads, healthcare services, and cash assistance as well as psycho-social support. These needs have been growing day by day as the numbers are rapidly increasing at the borders.
“It is heartbreaking to see what is happening in Sudan, and it is our duty to ensure the refugees have a safe and inclusive stay while fulfilling their basic needs such as water, food, and shelter with a focus on women and children as they’re the most affected by conflict,” said Dr. Fahmy.
CARE's and partners' response
CARE Egypt is working closely with UNHCR on an initial response plan for the next six months covering the sectors of rapid gender analysis, gender-based violence in emergencies, child protection, and education. CARE Egypt is supporting sudanese refugees through its different multi-disciplinary programs specifically for women and children.
Before the outbreak of the Sudan conflict, Egypt had been hosting nearly 60,000 Sudanese refugees and asylum seekers, who were living in the urban areas of Egypt coexisting with the Egyptian population in various governorates, such Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, Qalubiya, and Sharkeya.
For media inquiries, please contact Amira Eid, CARE Egypt Communications Lead via: [email protected]