Funding Cuts Threaten Lives of Sudanese Refugees in Egypt

The UNHCR has suspended vital support services for Sudanese refugees in Egypt due to funding cuts, affecting essential medical care for thousands. The crisis has intensified following mass displacements from Sudan, and urgent calls for donor support highlight the dire need for financial assistance to prevent worsening conditions for refugees.

The global humanitarian funding crisis has compelled the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to cease crucial support for refugees in Egypt, specifically impacting those who fled the conflict in Sudan. As a result, tens of thousands are deprived of essential medical treatment, child protection services, and other vital aid. This situation affects approximately 20,000 refugees who now have limited access to necessary healthcare, including cancer treatments and medications for chronic diseases.

The urgent funding shortfall stems from donor uncertainty, forcing UNHCR to suspend all non-emergency medical treatments. Those being disproportionately impacted are Sudanese refugees, as Egypt has become a refuge for over 1.5 million Sudanese fleeing severe humanitarian crises. More than 12.5 million have been displaced from Sudan, highlighting the dire situation of those who have sought asylum in neighboring countries.

Many refugees, such as Abdelazim Mohamed, face grave concerns over their future due to these funding cuts. After escaping the war in Sudan, Mr. Mohamed has been unable to access essential medication for his serious heart condition, which contributes to his growing hopelessness. He stated that the collapse of Sudan’s health system prompted his flight, emphasizing that health care access was vital for their survival.

UNHCR acknowledges the difficulties faced by refugees who are now reliant on limited national health services that they cannot afford. Without UNHCR’s support, many will become severely ill or succumb to their conditions. Jakob Arhem, a UNHCR Public Health Officer, expressed the difficulties of halting life-saving activities, emphasizing that many refugees will struggle to obtain health care on their own.

Abdelazim recounts his experience of fleeing Sudan, detailing his health interventions thanks to UNHCR. However, the cessation of medication due to funding cuts leaves him uncertain about his survival. Last year, UNHCR received less than half of the funding required to support on-the-ground programs, leading to unavoidable decisions regarding life-saving services.

UNHCR has shifted its focus to prioritize critical services for the most vulnerable groups, including unaccompanied minors and survivors of violence. However, with funding shortages persisting, even these essential services are at risk. UNHCR’s Child Protection Officer, Farah Nassef, highlighted the vulnerability of a young Sudanese man without family support who has recently faced the loss of care due to funding constraints.

To combat this ever-worsening situation, UNHCR calls for urgent support from donors, including governments, companies, and individuals. Marti Romero, Deputy Representative at UNHCR Egypt, remarked on the escalating needs of refugees juxtaposed against stagnant funding levels. Without immediate action, both refugees and host communities will encounter greater hardships. UNHCR insists on the necessity of prompt, sustained support to avert further crises in Egypt and beyond.

In summary, the UNHCR has halted key life-saving support for Sudanese refugees in Egypt due to critical funding shortages, impacting access to essential medical care and other services for tens of thousands of individuals. This situation has left many refugees vulnerable and without means to secure necessary health interventions, prompting urgent calls for increased donor contributions. The future of countless refugees hinges on immediate international support to alleviate the exacerbating humanitarian crisis.

Original Source: www.unhcr.org