Attachments
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS – HIGHLIGHTS
- On 25 March, UNHCR published a global press release highlighting the suspension of key life- saving support for refugees in Egypt, leaving tens of thousands without access to vital medical treatment, child protection services, and other essential aid. “The consequences for people who will no longer get our support are hard to measure, [but] many of them will not be able to find the means to pay for health care themselves and they will get sicker, weaker, and many will die,” said UNHCR Egypt Public Health Officer. UNHCR is urging donors to provide immediate support for refugees worldwide, who are already suffering from the severe impact of funding cuts.
- Since its launch in August 2024, some 50,000 Sudanese individuals have successfully scheduled new registration appointments online with UNHCR Egypt using the ‘Digital Gateway’. This innovative platform allows asylum-seekers to request appointments online, providing a much- needed alternative to in-person visits and calls to the overburdened Infoline. It has eased congestion at UNHCR reception centres, leaving room for other protection concerns to be addressed. Furthermore, it has improved access to registration, enhanced operational efficiency, and offered valuable insights for future digital transformation efforts in Egypt and beyond.
- Last week, UNHCR Egypt continued its donor engagement efforts. On 20 March, a multi-donor delegation comprising EU-ECHO, the Italian Agency for Development (AICS), the Spanish Agency for International Development (AECID), and the Swiss Agency for Development (SDC) visited UNHCR’s Reception Centre in Greater Cairo. The delegation learned about the registration process and UNHCR’s protection response and participated in a focus group discussion with five refugee women. On 16 March, the Hungarian Ambassador visited UNHCR Centre and was briefed on the critical challenges faced by newly arrived Sudanese asylum-seekers.
- On 22 March, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Alfonso Herrera met with eight refugee community leaders from Sudan, South Sudan, and Syria during a one-day visit to Cairo. Refugees shared the main challenges they face in Egypt and highlighted the need for support to fund humanitarian programmes in the country. Additionally, Egyptian Ferrari driver Mohamed Hamdy filmed a fundraising video at UNHCR’s main Reception Centre as part of UNHCR’s Ramadan campaign.