We have received multiple complaints from those fleeing the horrors of war in Sudan regarding the restrictions imposed by Egyptian authorities, including arrests due to their unresolved legal status and the deportation of some back to Sudan. We have witnessed distressing scenes of Sudanese refugees fleeing in the streets of Cairo, and in another humiliating incident, some fleeing from a bus to escape arrest, fearing imprisonment or deportation back to Sudan.
We wish to highlight that many of those fleeing Sudan are targeted by military intelligence due to their activities in resisting the regime since the revolution and the overthrow of Al-Bashir’s regime, and later in resisting the subversion of the revolution and calling for the prosecution of corrupt officials. Additionally, others are targeted based on their ethnicity or regional origin, and we have documented numerous cases of assassinations, enforced disappearances, and unjust death sentences and torture.
Commitments and Recommendations:
1. Commitment of the Egyptian Government:
• Respecting the rights of refugees in accordance with international conventions, including:
• The 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention: Ensures the protection of refugees’ rights and prohibits their return to countries where their lives or freedom would be threatened.
• The 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees: Enhances the protection provided to refugees and includes all signatory states.
• Allowing those fleeing conflict zones who have not yet resolved their legal status to seek refuge in other countries without forcing them to return to Sudan, where they face serious threats to their lives and dignity.
2. Commitment of the International Community:
• The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): Should monitor and ensure respect for the rights of refugees, provide necessary protection in Egypt, and work towards finding permanent solutions to the crisis.
3. Recommendations for the International Community:
• Exert pressure on the Egyptian government to respect the rights of refugees and refrain from violating their freedoms and dignity.
• Provide necessary support to Egypt to improve the conditions of refugees and alleviate the pressure on it, including financial and technical assistance.
We call upon the international community to stand with those fleeing the horrors of war in Sudan, ensuring comprehensive protection and supporting host countries in achieving these noble humanitarian objectives.
