Sudanese Refugees Fleeing to Egypt are Struggling to Find the Resources They Need to Survive

To understand the challenges Sudanese refugees are currently facing in Egypt, OkayAfrica connected with Saif Sulaiman, a Sudanese journalist and human rights defender who became a local community leader working on refugee and immigration issues.

Sulaiman fled Sudan when his journalistic work covering the news and human rights violations of the conflict made him a target of the Rapid Support Forces. In Egypt, he provides psychological, social, and legal support for a group of refugees and advocates for their cases.

The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

OkayAfrica: What do people fleeing Sudan for Egypt need the most?

Saif Sulaiman: People fleeing conflict areas need care, protection and shelter, as well as material support to cover their basic needs. They lost their property and livelihoods due to war which, contrary to their expectation that the conflict would end soon, has continued for more than a year. Their conditions have worsened and they do not have stable sources of income.

What problems do refugees face in Egypt?

They face great challenges in obtaining housing. UNHCR does not provide them with shelter, material assistance or services, due to long waiting lists. This has led to some of them being forced to return to Sudan despite the continuation of the war, to avoid more suffering.The problem is exacerbated for those who do not have official entry visas, as they are deprived of the limited financial aid available that the World Food Organization gives them, which was originally 400 Egyptian Pounds ($8.38) per month.

Overall, it is difficult to receive adequate care from UNHCR and its partners, especially if the refugee is sick or has been subjected to imprisonment or forced deportation, despite this being in violation of international law. There is a long waiting period to obtain recognition: it may take more than four years. But refugees continue to suffer even after obtaining a refugee card (blue card) as nearly 10 years may pass without them finding radical solutions or the possibility of resettlement in a third country that provides them with a decent life until they may return to their country.

Refugees feel lost and displaced in their exile, with their hopes and aspirations unfulfilled. In general, this group faces great challenges related to legal, social and economic protection, which makes their situation in Egypt worrying and calls for more efforts to improve their conditions.

What needs to be done to improve their conditions?

These difficult conditions have led many families and children to beg in the streets to provide for their basic needs, and many school-age children have been forced to leave school due to their families’ inability to bear their expenses. Therefore, it is important for the relevant authorities to intervene and provide the necessary assistance to these displaced persons, whether in the field of shelter, material support, or legal facilities for residence.

How are you and other aid workers dealing with these challenges?

We deal with this situation by launching social initiatives to collect financial contributions from civil society, Egyptian institutions and associations, to provide relief funds for refugees. We also advocate for their issues to related organizations, including the WFO; as a result, the monthly support was raised from 400 to 750 Egyptian Pounds ($15.72). This amount does not cover the most basic needs, but we work with the policy that something is better than nothing.

What needs to happen so that your work can become easier?

In order for my work to be easier, and for me to do it safely, I need protection from the UNHCR and the host country. When [aid workers] are exposed to violations and address the Egyptian authorities, we do not find cooperation; doing so sometimes exposes us to imprisonment and forced deportation.

What are your future predictions on the situation of refugees in Egypt? What goals are you working towards right now?

It is a sensitive issue and I understand the concerns of Egyptian citizens about the economic and social impact of the influx of refugees. I am concerned about the tensions that could arise between Egyptians and refugees, and I believe that the government and international institutions need to deal with them wisely and firmly.

From my point of view, the following steps must be taken to improve the conditions of refugees in Egypt and achieve successful integration between them and Egyptian society:

1. Strengthening economic and social support programs for refugees, to provide basic needs and job opportunities. This will help relieve pressure on local resources.

2. Encouraging the integration of refugees into Egyptian society through education, vocational training and health services programs. This will enhance mutual understanding and reduce fear of "outsiders."

3. Better coordination between the Egyptian government and UNHCR, to ensure the formulation of effective and consistent policies that take into account everyone’s interests.

4. Launching awareness campaigns in Egyptian society to dispel myths and fears about refugees, and emphasize the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

I aim to achieve these so that there is no revolution among the Egyptian people towards refugees.

If you would like to support Sudanese refugees in Egypt or families that are still in Sudan, consider donating to any of these aid initiatives which have been vetted by Sudanese activist Sara Elhassan.