Relief Web - UN Secretary-General António Guterres met with a group of Sudanese refugees, who have recently fled the violence in Sudan, over a Ramadan iftar on Saturday, 23 March.

During the iftar, Mr. Guterres emphasized the importance of peace and stability, particularly during the sacred month of Ramadan, urging all parties to the conflict in Sudan to observe a cessation of hostilities.

“In this moment, the international community must express to the Sudanese people the same solidarity the Sudanese have always given to those seeking refuge inside Sudan,” Mr. Guterres said.

Prior to the conflict, Sudan was host to more than a million refugees, many of them were compelled to return to their home countries prematurely. The war has so far forced more than 1.5 million people to flee to neighboring countries whose resources had already been overstretched, including Egypt. 

Mr. Guterres’ visit comes a few weeks before the Sudan conflict marks its first year. As of 17 March 2024, and according to figures from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 500,000 Sudanese individuals fled the conflict in Sudan to Egypt, making Egypt the second largest host of Sudanese people fleeing the recent conflict, followed by Chad.

In 11 months, the number of Sudanese refugees registered with UNHCR in Egypt increased by almost five-fold. UNHCR provides them with documentation, protection services as well as healthcare, education and cash assistance to the most vulnerable. However, with only 22 per cent of its funding appeal met to date, the sustainability of these services is at risk.

“Additional support to UNHCR and to the Government of Egypt, both at the central and local levels, remains essential, especially to continue ensuring inclusive access to public services for all. The ongoing conflict in Sudan cannot be forgotten,” said Dr. Hanan Hamdan, UNHCR Representative to the Government of Egypt and to the League of Arab States.

Mr. Guterres’ visit to Egypt comes as part of a tradition that he started when he served as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to shine a light on Muslim communities in distress. During his two-day visit, he reiterated his urgent calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and the cessation of violence, notably in Gaza and Sudan.