Funding Cuts Endanger Lives of Sudanese Refugees in Egypt

UNHCR suspended vital support for Sudanese refugees in Egypt due to global funding cuts, affecting medical treatment and essential services for tens of thousands. Over 1.5 million Sudanese have fled to Egypt amid ongoing conflict, with critical care for chronic conditions now unavailable. Refugees face dire consequences without urgent financial assistance for humanitarian efforts and support services.

The substantial global humanitarian funding crisis has compelled UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to halt essential support for refugees in Egypt. This decision has left tens of thousands, including many who fled the devastating conflict in Sudan, without crucial medical care and other lifelines. Medical treatments including cancer surgery, chemotherapy, and necessary medications have been suspended, impacting roughly 20,000 patients.

Since the violent outbreak of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in April 2023, over 1.5 million Sudanese have sought refuge in Egypt, more than any other nation. Among these, approximately 670,000 are registered with UNHCR. The broader context reveals that over 12.5 million Sudanese have been displaced from their homes, with over 3.7 million having fled to other countries.

Abdelazim Mohamed, a 54-year-old refugee from Sudan, illustrates the perilous impact of these funding cuts. After escaping Khartoum due to a severe heart condition and lack of medical facilities, he has sought help in Egypt but now faces uncertainty without UNHCR support. UNHCR Public Health Officer Jakob Arhem emphasized that while refugees can access Egypt’s health system, the high costs prevent many from receiving necessary care.

UNHCR established programs to offer critical health services to those who could not afford them; however, the cessation of this support may lead to dire consequences for vulnerable individuals. As Arhem noted, the repercussions of cutting such life-saving services are dire, potentially resulting in increased illness and mortality among those who had previously relied on assistance.

Abdelazim and his wife currently live modestly in Cairo, but their dire financial situation leaves them anxious about accessing necessary medications. Last year, UNHCR was able to secure only half of the funding needed for support, worsening the challenges posed by reduced humanitarian contributions this year. Critical programs, even those aiding the most vulnerable, are now at risk.

UNHCR is prioritizing life-saving initiatives, but the need for urgent funding remains critical. Child Protection Officer Farah Nassef highlighted the struggles of an unaccompanied young Sudanese man who recently lost his care support due to budget limitations. The harsh reality of the situation leaves many individuals in vulnerable positions, without adequate assistance.

UNHCR is urging all potential donors, including governments and individuals, to provide essential support to refugees facing these increasing hardships. Marti Romero, Deputy Representative at UNHCR Egypt, stressed the urgency of the situation: funding for refugee needs is lagging, while the pressures faced by Egypt and its services escalate. Immediate international action is required to avert heightened crises for both refugees and host communities.

In conclusion, the funding cuts by UNHCR have severely impacted the lives of Sudanese refugees in Egypt, threatening their access to essential medical care and support services. With the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the UNHCR has underscored the need for urgent funding to prevent further deterioration of conditions for these vulnerable populations. Such financial support is essential in ensuring that refugees do not face increased hardships and can access necessary services for survival.

Original Source: www.unhcr.org