National Activity Plan 2006: Egypt

World Refugee Day, 20 June 2006

  • Word Food Programme (WFP) will be donating food for 6,000 persons (children and their families) in several refugee learning centres. It is also planned to have Goodwill Ambassador, Mr. Adel Imam, attend the launch of this food distribution project to help portray a positive image of UNHCR.
  • To remind the general public and the media that UNHCR's primary goal is to protect and assist people of concern, Mr. Naguib Sawiris, a leading Egyptian businessman is donating clothes to 1000 people. Mr. Sawiris will be distributing the clothes among the refugee community during the month of June to mark World Refugee Day. It is also planned to have Goodwill Ambassador, Mr. Adel Imam, attend the launch of this clothes distribution project to help portray a positive image of UNHCR.
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UNHCR Goodwill Ambassadors

Learn about our loyal ambassadors.

Adel Imam

Adel Imam

Crisis in Libya

UNHCR is working with the Tunisian and Egyptian authorities and aid groups to manage the dramatic influx of tens of thousands of people fleeing Libya. By the beginning of March, two weeks after the violence erupted in Libya, more than 140,000 people had fled to the neighbouring countries, while thousands more were waiting to cross. Most are Egyptian and Tunisian nationals, though small numbers of Libyans and other nationalities are managing to escape. UNHCR is particularly concerned about thousands of refugees and other foreigners trapped inside Libya, especially people from sub-Saharan Africa. The following photo essay gives a glimpse into what is happening at the borders.

Crisis in Libya

On the Border: Stuck in Sallum

After violence erupted in Libya in February last year, tens of thousands of people began streaming into Egypt at the Sallum border crossing. Most were Egyptian workers, but almost 40,000 third country nationals also turned up at the border and had to wait until they could be repatriated. Today, with the spotlight long gone, a group of more than 2,000 people remain, mainly single young male refugees from the Sudan. But there are also women, children and the sick and elderly waiting for a solution to their situation. Most are likely to be resettled in third countries, but those who arrived after October are not being considered for resettlement, while some others have been rejected for refugee status. They live in tough conditions at the Egyptian end of the border crossing. A site for a new camp in no man's land has been identified. UNHCR, working closely with the border authorities, plays the major role in providing protection and assistance.

On the Border: Stuck in Sallum

Egypt: Seeking SafetyPlay video

Egypt: Seeking Safety

Amid the ebb and flow of fighting in eastern Libya, a steady stream of people continues to seek shelter in Egypt and other neighbouring countries. They tell their stories.
Egypt: Stranded at the BorderPlay video

Egypt: Stranded at the Border

Thousands of people are stranded at Egypt's Sallum border crossing with Libya. Many of them are migrant workers, like these exhausted Bangladeshi men.
Egypt: Egyptians Cross Back HomePlay video

Egypt: Egyptians Cross Back Home

A steady stream of people have been crossing into Egypt from Libya. These migrant workers were elated to return home.