Refugees International has criticized the treatment of Sudanese refugees in Egypt following a report outlining deteriorating conditions due to a new asylum law. This law permits deportations and restricts access to essential services. Calls for international intervention emphasize the need for urgent reforms in Egypt’s asylum policies to protect refugees, coupled with a firm stance from UNHCR.
Refugees International has raised alarms regarding the deteriorating situation of Sudanese refugees in Egypt, calling for immediate global intervention to protect their rights. This statement follows the release of their report, “No Model of Refuge,” which highlights the increased risks of deportation, limited access to essential services, and legal uncertainties faced by these refugees due to Egypt’s new asylum law.
The asylum law, enacted in December 2024, has caused serious concerns among human rights organizations. It contains vague national security clauses that empower authorities to revoke refugee status and criminalize unauthorized entry into the country. Significantly, this law was implemented without input from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) or civil society, further restricting asylum seekers’ protections.
According to the report, many Sudanese refugees have encountered denials of healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Schools catering to Sudanese children are being closed, and hospitals routinely deny treatment. Moreover, the requirements to obtain work permits are nearly unattainable, creating a significant barrier to self-sufficiency for these refugees.
Amnesty International has reported cases of arbitrary detention and forced repatriation of Sudanese refugees in Egypt. Their records indicate that many Sudanese nationals, including entire families, have been held in overcrowded detention centers before being forcibly returned to Sudan without any legal process. Between January and March 2024, approximately 800 Sudanese refugees were expelled from Egypt before they could seek asylum, a violation of the principle of non-refoulement established in the 1951 Refugee Convention, which Egypt has ratified.
The overall humanitarian crisis in Sudan, driven by the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), is deteriorating. Despite the UN Security Council’s resolution for an immediate cessation of hostilities in March 2024, negotiations between the conflicting parties quickly fell apart, with atrocities, including ethnic killings, reported in regions like West Darfur.
In light of the situation, Refugees International is urgently urging international stakeholders to pressure Egypt to reform its asylum policies. Recommendations include halting deportations, reopening schools for Sudanese children, and issuing work permits to asylum seekers. Furthermore, it is urged that the UNHCR take a proactive approach to monitor Egypt’s compliance with international refugee standards to prevent further destabilization of humanitarian protections for those fleeing conflict in Sudan.
In summary, Sudanese refugees in Egypt are facing unprecedented challenges due to new asylum laws that undermine their rights and access to essential services. With calls for international intervention and transparency from the UNHCR, the situation remains critical. If changes are not made, the implications for refugee protection standards and the ongoing humanitarian crisis could be severe.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
