The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission to Egypt and the Embassy of Denmark in Egypt signed an agreement to implement the second phase of the SPHERE project.
The project’s first phase was implemented by IOM Egypt in partnership with the Egyptian government, with the new phase building on these previous achievements. Also involved in the partnership were: the National Coordinating Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons; the Ministry of Social Solidarity; the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood; the National Council for Women (NCW); and the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR).
SPHERE aims to expand and strengthen the national response in migration management, while protecting and assisting victims of trafficking. It looks to protect and assist vulnerable migrants at risk of exploitation in Egypt, using a rights-based approach.
The new project also provides resources to further support the Egyptian Government’s capacity to identify, face and respond to irregular migration challenges and to counter migration-related crimes.
While the government has progressed on its migration management and control of irregular migration both from and to Egypt, migration has recently been included as a pillar of the country’s Vision 2030. The momentum of this inclusion will support the enhancement of protection and strengthening of institutional capacities to ensure safe, humane and orderly migration for all.
“I am very glad to launch the second phase of SPHERE, combating trafficking and irregular migration with the IOM, highlighting our Danish priorities and our strategy for development cooperation and humanitarian action,” said Svend Olling, Ambassador of Denmark to Egypt, “It also signifies the joint efforts of Egypt and Denmark to enhance the protection of migrants and combat trafficking.”
Laurent De Boeck, IOM Chief of Mission in Egypt, said, “The IOM is grateful for the cooperation with the Government of Egypt and the support of the Government of Denmark in enhancing migration management and countering crimes, while protecting the rights of migrants and human trafficking victims.”
De Boeck added, “The new phase of the SPHERE project will contribute to this aim and to consolidate the partnership with the scope of making the response effective in the interest of the most vulnerable categories of the society, whose conditions have been worsening even more due to the COVID-19-related crisis.”
The SPHERE project supports the realisation of Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy, as outlined by its Vision 2030. It also falls in line with the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, specifically the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely: Goal 8 for Decent Work and Economic Growth; Goal 10 for Reduced Inequalities; Goal 16 for Peace, justice and strong institutions; and Goal 17 for Partnership for the Goals.
