Attachments
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS – HIGHLIGHTS
• A report released by UNHCR Egypt’s Cash team in the last week of February presented overwhelming evidence of the positive impact of cash support on some of Egypt’s most vulnerable refugees, including allowing 20% to cover most or all their needs. The 2024 Post- Distribution Monitoring Report also showed how beneficiaries mainly used the cash for essential needs, with food being the top spending category (cited by 83 per cent of beneficiaries), followed by rent (75 per cent), health-related items and services (22 per cent), while utilities and bills, and education were each reported by 16 per cent. Its critical importance highlights the risks posed by funding shortfalls, which threaten cash assistance programmes and could severely affect the most vulnerable refugees and asylum-seekers in Egypt.
• Between 13 and 28 February, 22 refugee artisans presented and sold their products in the 67th edition of the Diarna Exhibition for Handicrafts in Cairo. Organized by the Ministry of Social Solidarity, the event featured over 400 exhibitors presenting a diverse range of crafts. With support from UNHCR and its partner, Plan International, refugee artisans were able to exhibit their work. Additionally, UNHCR organized musical performances and cultural activities led by refugees from Sudan and other nationalities, enriching the exhibition experience for both participants and visitors.
• On 27 February, PROSPECTS partners met with Ambassador Wael Badawi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Migration, Refugees and Combating Human Trafficking, to brief him on the second phase of the Dutch-supported partnership. As part of the discussions, the Assistant Minister requested a presentation on proposed models to improve refugees’ access to work, including regional examples from UNHCR, particularly from Lebanon and Jordan. The presentation is expected after Ramadan, as part of broader discussions on Egypt’s asylum transition from UNHCR to the State.