Operations

2016 Plan Summary

Egypt is a signatory to the 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol, and to the 1969 OAU Convention. UNHCR’s operation in Egypt is one of its largest and most established urban refugee programmes. The organization carries out functional responsibilities for all aspects of refugee protection, including registration, documentation and refugee status determination (RSD), in accordance with the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Government, concluded in 1954.
 
Egypt continues to host refugees and asylum-seekers from African countries as well as from Iraq, the Syrian Arab Republic (Syria), and several other countries. Refugees and asylum-seekers live in urban centres alongside local communities, and are mainly settled in areas within Greater Cairo and the cities of Alexandria and Damietta.

Egypt also continues to be affected by increased mixed movements. Since January 2015, more than 2,300 individuals have been arrested for attempting to depart or enter Egypt in an irregular manner, including by sea. 

UNHCR works closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on matters of policy and guidance, as well as with the Ministry of the Interior and line ministries, as appropriate. The Government has provided access for Syrian children to public schools, as well as access to primary health care services for Syrians equivalent to that of nationals. UNHCR supports respective line ministries, including the Ministries of Health and Education, and will continue to do so in 2016.
 
In 2016, UNHCR will also work towards improving the quality of registration, conducting effective RSD, and improving identification of people with specific needs and vulnerabilities for targeted assistance and resettlement, including by enhancing vulnerability assessments and strengthening data collection and analysis.
 
The Office will maintain its focus on: promoting safe access to asylum; prevention of refoulement; assisting people of concern in detention and advocating for alternatives to detention; improving refugee access to livelihoods and self-reliance opportunities; and pursuing durable solutions, including through resettlement.
 
The Office will continue its work with partners to develop solutions-oriented and sustainable programmes by: enhancing community participation and communication with persons of concern; supporting effective access to public services (in particular health and education); and further coordination with relevant national and international partners.