Cairo: Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to Egypt and the Arab League, Hanan Hamdan, stressed the importance of increasing international support, not only for refugees but also for host communities that are facing growing pressures. During a meeting with the Cabinet's Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) on Friday, Hamdan praised Egypt's efforts at both institutional and grassroots levels, describing the country's experience in supporting refugees as an example to follow.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Hamdan highlighted that there are no official camps for refugees in Egypt, as they are instead integrated into Egyptian society, which continues to welcome them. She noted that the UNHCR collaborates closely with various ministries, as well as educational and health institutions in Egypt, to provide joint support. This collaboration reflects positively on both refugees and the host community.

Hamdan mentioned that the UNHCR's upcoming visit to Egypt on June 24 is pivotal for launching a response plan addressing the impact of the Sudanese and Syrian crises. The plan also aims to meet the needs of other refugees in Egypt and support the host communities. She emphasized the significant burdens Egypt bears in providing decent humanitarian support to refugees.

In line with World Refugee Day, observed on June 20, Hamdan asserted the UNHCR's commitment to highlighting the plight of refugees and asylum seekers globally. She remarked that global funding remains insufficient to meet the needs of refugees, given the increasing complexity and scale of humanitarian crises.