Written by Omnia Hassan
Elena Panova, the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, affirmed that Egypt represents a unique model in dealing with asylum and migration issues, thanks to its strategic location at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean, and its policies based on integrating refugees and migrants into society instead of isolating them in camps.
Egypt has received millions of refugees over the decades
Panova said that over the decades, Egypt has received millions of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants fleeing regional conflicts and crises, including those coming from Sudan, Palestine and other neighboring countries.
She added that the country is currently hosting more than one million registered refugees and asylum seekers, along with about 1.5 million migrants from the most vulnerable groups.
She explained that what distinguishes the Egyptian experience is the comprehensive approach that allows refugees and migrants to live among local communities and access basic services, including education, health care and public services, alongside Egyptian citizens, which reflects a genuine commitment to the values of human dignity and solidarity.
Panova added that this humanitarian model simultaneously imposes significant burdens on infrastructure, public services and host communities, especially in light of the economic challenges facing Egypt.
She stressed that countries hosting large numbers of displaced people should not be left alone to face this global responsibility.
She stressed that the United Nations is calling for moving beyond the traditional concept of humanitarian aid towards long-term development partnerships, including providing development financing, strengthening cooperation with international financial institutions, increasing investments in host communities, and supporting national systems that bear the greatest burden of hosting refugees and migrants.
She also called for moving away from piecemeal policies that separate refugees, migrants and host communities, noting that sustainable solutions must respond to the needs of all groups living side by side.
She explained that the sharp decline in official development assistance significantly limits the ability of the international community to support the most vulnerable groups.
She pointed out that women and children represent about 75% of the total registered refugees, making them the most affected by the decline in funding and the rise in humanitarian needs.
She concluded by emphasizing that the current phase requires a more coordinated and consistent collective response with national migration and asylum strategies, to ensure the protection of refugees, support for host communities, and the promotion of stability and development for all.
