United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

About United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Egypt continues to be both a transit country, as well as one that receives refugees. While it is signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, domestic asylum procedures have yet to be developed. Meanwhile, UNHCR continues to carry out registration and refugee status determination processes (RSD). In 2011-2012, UNHCR saw an increase in the registration of new asylum-seekers in Egypt, especially from Sudan and South Sudan. Accelerated RSD procedures were put in place for Sudanese asylum-seekers from Darfur, and the Office began individual RSD interviews for asylum-seekers from South Kordofan and Blue Nile State. The deteriorating situation in the Syrian Arab Republic also increased the number of Syrians approaching UNHCR for registration. To date, close to 5,000 Syrians have been registered, although many more are reported to have arrived in Egypt. More than 1,700 people of concern who fled the conflict in Libya in 2011 and are awaiting durable solutions remain at Saloum, at the Egypt-Libya border. UNHCR is providing them with food and essential services, as well as carrying out registration, conducting RSD and making referrals for resettlement. In early 2012, UNHCR was authorized by the Egyptian Government to set up a camp within the port area of Saloum where adequate shelter and basic services could be provided.