Refugees International has raised alarms regarding the treatment of Sudanese refugees in Egypt, urging international intervention following the introduction of a new asylum law that increases deportation risks and restricts access to vital services. This law was enacted without consulting organizations like the UNHCR, further jeopardizing refugee protections. Humanitarian conditions continue to worsen, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, necessitating immediate reforms in Egypt’s asylum practices to uphold international refugee rights.
Refugees International has expressed significant concern regarding the deteriorating conditions faced by Sudanese refugees in Egypt, emphasizing the need for immediate international intervention to protect their rights. This statement is a response to a recent report highlighting the challenges imposed by Egypt’s new asylum law, which increases the risk of deportations, limits access to essential services, and creates legal uncertainties for these individuals.
The new asylum law, enacted in December 2024, has generated alarm among human rights organizations. It incorporates obscure national security clauses that allow authorities to revoke refugee status and penalize those considered to have entered Egypt illegally. Notably, this law was established without prior consultation with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) or non-governmental organizations, thereby further diminishing protections for asylum seekers.
The report by Refugees International reveals that many Sudanese refugees are being denied fundamental rights such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Schools that cater to Sudanese children have been shut down, hospitals frequently refuse care, and the requirements for obtaining work permits are disproportionately burdensome for refugees. Additionally, refugee-led organizations providing necessary assistance are facing stricter limitations as a consequence of the new law.
Amnesty International has reported widespread arbitrary detentions and forced returns of Sudanese refugees by Egyptian authorities. Their findings indicate that numerous Sudanese individuals, including men, women, and children, have been confined in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions before being forcibly returned to Sudan without due process. From January to March 2024, at least 800 Sudanese refugees were deported without their opportunity to seek asylum, which contravenes the principle of non-refoulement outlined in the 1951 Refugee Convention, to which Egypt is a signatory.
The ongoing geopolitical turmoil in Sudan has exacerbated the existing humanitarian crisis. Efforts for mediation have consistently failed as leaders of both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) remain entrenched in violence. Escalating conflicts, particularly in Khartoum and Darfur, have led to reports of severe human rights violations, including ethnically targeted killings in West Darfur. Despite a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for a cessation of hostilities in March 2024, dialogues between the SAF and RSF have not yielded positive outcomes due to the unwillingness of both parties to negotiate.
In light of these circumstances, Refugees International urges immediate international action, imploring donor nations to exert pressure on Egypt to amend its asylum policies. The organization advocates for the suspension of deportations of Sudanese refugees, the reopening of community schools, and the provision of work permits for Sudanese asylum seekers. Furthermore, it calls upon the UNHCR to adopt a firmer stance regarding Egypt’s restrictive regulations and to secure access to detention centers for monitoring the treatment of Sudanese refugees. Refugees International cautions that the newly implemented asylum framework in Egypt could serve as a dangerous model that undermines international refugee protection standards, thereby worsening the humanitarian situation for those fleeing the conflicts in Sudan.
In summary, the treatment of Sudanese refugees in Egypt has drawn substantial criticism from Refugees International and other human rights organizations due to the new asylum law, which poses significant risks to their safety and well-being. The lack of consultation during the law’s enactment, alongside reports of deportations and denied access to essential services, necessitates urgent international action. It is vital that Egypt reassesses its asylum policies to align with international standards and protect the rights of those seeking refuge from conflict in Sudan.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
