The UN is urging more aid in Egypt to support refugees



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The commissioner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, called on Monday to intensify the help of Egypt, which hosts a large number of refugees, especially Syrians and Africans.

During a press conference following a meeting with Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and a number of officials, Grandi said: "The international community has recognized Egypt as one of the host countries for refugees after The problem of illegal immigration across the Mediterranean has emerged. "

He added that he would like to ask Cairo to receive more bilateral development aid to support its efforts.

Having concluded his two-day visit, the UN official described the current assistance provided to Cairo as insufficient.

Grandi praised Egypt as a key partner of the UN refugee agency and reiterated that UNHCR is seeking to offer technical and humanitarian support to Cairo, noting that the value of UNHCR programs in the country in 2017 it ranged from $ 40 million to $ 50 million.

"We have heard clearly and clearly from the government that they will not establish any camp or center … frankly I think they are right," Grandi said.

Presidential spokesman Bassam Radi said in a statement that during his meeting with the UN official, Sisi said that despite its burdens and the delicate economic situation, Egypt did not exploit the refugee crisis.

He said that 50,000 Syrian refugees returned to their country in 2018, adding that it is necessary to strengthen security in Syria to pave the way for the return of more refugees.

At the end of last month, the UN refugee agency launched a winter assistance program in Egypt to help 151,130 refugees, including at least 18% of children.

During Marking Grandi's visit, UNHCR stated in a press release that as of 31 November 2018 Egypt hosts more than 242,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers of 58 different nationalities, mainly concentrated in Greater Cairo, in Alexandria and on the north coast.

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