The Egyptian Red Crescent, in cooperation with the EU and the UN Development Programme, has begun transporting 27 tons of relief supplies to Sudan. The supplies will offer much-needed assistance to the Sudanese, who have been affected by the ongoing conflict and displacement.
At a press conference announcing the relief supplies, which were provided by the UNDP and funded by the EU, the Red Crescent was joined by Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity, Nevine El-Kabbag, the head of the EU delegation to Egypt, Christian Berger, and the UNDP resident representative in Egypt, Alessandro Fracassetti.
El-Kabbag said that presenting the grant to support the Egyptian Red Crescent’s efforts regarding the Sudanese crisis shows the international community’s appreciation and trust in the organization.
She added that the Ministry of Social Solidarity operates through 26 relief centers across the country, with tens of thousands of volunteers, and provides assistance in cooperation with civil society organizations. El-Kabbag also noted that Egypt is home to nearly 8 million refugees from various countries, which places a burden on the country’s resources.
Berger indicated that the EU and its member states are committed to supporting Egypt and Sudan, particularly in ensuring the basic social and healthcare needs of Sudanese refugees. He announced that “the EU has provided €200,000 ($216,000) to the Egyptian Red Crescent to assist people coming from Sudan to Egypt.” He also emphasized the importance of partnership and collaboration in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Fracassetti stated that the Egyptian government is being supported in providing basic healthcare supplies to Sudanese refugees during these difficult circumstances.
The goal is to strengthen social cohesion, reduce poverty and unemployment, and enhance social services for the Egyptian communities hosting the Sudanese, he added.
Fracassetti also acknowledged that the number of refugees coming to Egypt is rapidly increasing, with UNHCR partners estimating more than 5,000 arrivals a day. This situation is putting a tremendous strain on Egypt’s resources and highlights the continued need for international support.
Since the fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in April, about 110,000 Sudanese have entered Egypt. The situation has been further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made it challenging to deliver aid and provide medical assistance to those in need. The relief supplies provided by the Egyptian Red Crescent, UNDP, and EU will play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the crisis and supporting the Sudanese people during these challenging times.
Overall, this effort reflects the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in addressing humanitarian crises. It also highlights the critical role played by organizations such as the Egyptian Red Crescent in providing assistance and support to those most in need.
