Cairo, 15 December 2024 – The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Cairo today announced a contribution of USD 1.9 million to UNHCR’s Sudan refugee response in Egypt. The funds will increase UNHCR’s capacity to provide protection services for refugees arriving from Sudan, including the more than half a million who have registered with UNHCR in Egypt since the start of hostilities in April 2023.
Most Sudanese refugees registered with the UNHCR are women and children with little or no means to provide for themselves. The support from the Norwegian Government will strengthen UNHCR’s ability to provide basic services for these refugees, assist host communities, and protect refugees against child labour, gender-based violence, and other forms of exploitation.
“As the conflict in Sudan continues, the UNHCR plays a vital part in helping the continuing flow of Sudanese refugees arriving here in Egypt. I am very pleased that Norway can contribute to this important work,” said H.E. Ambassador Hilde Klemetsdal at the signing of the agreement.
UNHCR expects the influx of Sudanese seeking refuge in Egypt to continue into 2025. Without the kind of support provided by Norway today, Egypt will be unable to uphold its generous and long-standing tradition of offering a safe haven to people fleeing war and conflict.
“The generous contribution from Norway will enhance our capacity to support Sudanese refugees who have endured significant hardships. This funding is essential for delivering critical protection services, strengthening community resilience, and ensuring the well-being of the most vulnerable. Norway’s support is invaluable in helping us bring stability and hope to those affected while supporting host communities to sustain their hospitality,” said Dr. Hanan Hamdan, UNHCR Representative to the Arab Republic of Egypt and to the League of Arab States.
Norway is one of UNHCR’s most important strategic partners and a generous donor globally. In 2023 Norway funded UNHCR with more than USD 129 million, making it the seven largest donor. Some USD 63 million of Norway’s 2023 contribution to UNHCR was unearmarked, allowing UNHCR the flexibility to allocate funds where they are most needed.
Norway also supports UNHCR’s Nansen Refugee Award and contributes annually with a monetary prize to the Nansen Refugee Award winner. This year’s Nansen winner for the MENA region was Nada Fadol, a Sudanese refugee who has mobilized essential aid for hundreds of refugee families in Egypt.
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