Elham and her children have recently arrived from Sudan, and are registering with UNHCR Egypt as asylum-seekers. UNHCR/Pedro Costa Gomes.
Since the conflict in Sudan erupted 19 months ago, over three million individuals have been forcibly displaced, seeking refuge in neighboring countries and beyond. Egypt has become the largest host country for Sudanese refugees fleeing the ongoing conflict. Recent data from the Government of Egypt indicates that more than 1.2 million Sudanese have sought international protection in Egypt since the outbreak of war in mid-April 2023.
The magnitude of this humanitarian crisis has placed immense pressure on Egypt’s resources and infrastructure. Despite the Egyptian government’s generosity and commitment to providing international protection, its capacities are now significantly overstretched.
“We are calling on the international community to urgently support Egypt in this humanitarian effort,” said Dr. Hanan Hamdan, UNHCR Representative to the Government of Egypt and to the League of Arab States. “It is imperative that the responsibility for providing humanitarian and development aid is shared globally. The burden on Egypt is unsustainable and requires immediate and substantial international assistance to ensure the protection and well-being of those affected by the conflict.”
In addition to humanitarian and development assistance, there is an urgent need for durable solutions. Expanding resettlement and complementary pathways is essential to provide refugees with long-term stability and integration opportunities in third countries. This will not only alleviate the pressure on Egypt but also ensure that refugees have access to education, employment, and the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
The Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan 2024 has received $1.52 billion in funding, which is 56.3% of the required $2.7 billion. Despite this significant contribution, the funding gap remains substantial, underscoring the need for increased international support to meet the growing demands of the crisis.
Nineteen months into the conflict in Sudan, thousands continue to flee daily, escaping one of the most severe famine crises in decades, brutal violence, abuse, death, disrupted services, and limited access to humanitarian aid.
This unprecedented influx of refugees highlights the urgent need for global solidarity and a coordinated approach to manage the crisis effectively. UNHCR urges governments, international organizations, and donors worldwide to contribute to Egypt’s refugee support programs and help alleviate the strain on its resources.
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