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Hawa, a mother of eight, fled escalating violence in Sudan, particularly the rising attacks on young girls, and sought safety in Egypt. Her journey was challenging, beginning with a stint in Port Sudan where she worked in a restaurant to save for the next leg of their trip. Upon arriving in Egypt, Hawa focused on securing refugee status and, while waiting for her UNHCR appointment, sold Sudanese spices on the streets to make ends meet. She found a small, poorly furnished apartment in Faisal, a crowded area with many refugees.
After registering with UNHCR, Hawa was determined to be eligible for assistance to support attainment of her and families basic needs. This support allowed her to move to a better apartment and provided relief from the financial strain. “The assistance allowed me to breathe,” she says. Additionally, an additional grant during winter helped her buy essentials like mattresses, blankets, warm clothes, and even a washing machine, which is crucial for a family of nine . Hawa continues to receive the assistance, which supports her in covering rent and provides stability for her children.
Since the conflict began in Sudan, UNHCR has assessed over 176,000 Sudanese refugees in Egypt, with many receiving assistance to meet their urgent needs, though many also remain on the waiting list. Hawa’s story highlights the vital role of assistance delivery through CBI in helping refugees regain stability and meet basic needs during challenging times. ©UNHCR/Nadine Amine