Refugees International has criticized Egypt for the declining conditions faced by Sudanese refugees due to a new asylum law passed in December 2024. The law raises concerns about deportations and restricts access to essential services. Reports have emerged of arbitrary detention and forced returns of Sudanese refugees, amidst escalating violence in Sudan. International action is urged to modify Egypt’s asylum policies to protect refugee rights.
Refugees International has raised alarms regarding the degrading conditions endured by Sudanese refugees in Egypt, advocating for immediate international intervention to protect their rights. This concern is articulated in their recent report titled “No Model of Refuge,” which highlights the increased threat of deportation, limited access to essential services, and the uncertain legal status of these refugees following Egypt’s new asylum law.
The controversial asylum law, enacted in December 2024, has provoked significant apprehension among human rights advocates. It features ambiguous national security clauses that empower authorities to invalidate refugee status and categorize individuals as criminals if they are perceived to have entered illegally. Notably, this legislation was established without engaging the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) or civil society, consequently diminishing the protections afforded to asylum seekers.
The report from Refugees International outlines distressing accounts of Sudanese refugees being systematically denied crucial services like healthcare, education, and employment. Many educational institutions catering to Sudanese children have been forced to close, while healthcare facilities frequently decline treatment. Additionally, the requirements for obtaining work permits have proven to be almost insurmountable for refugees seeking livelihoods. Refugee-led organizations, which have provided vital support, now face increased restrictions due to the law.
Amnesty International has likewise documented occurrences of arbitrary detention and forced repatriations of Sudanese refugees by Egyptian officials. Their findings reveal numerous instances of individuals—men, women, and children—being detained in overcrowded and unhygienic conditions prior to being forcibly returned to Sudan, often without due process. In just the first few months of 2024, over 800 Sudanese refugees were deported from Egypt without the opportunity to seek asylum, contravening the principle of non-refoulement outlined in the 1951 Refugee Convention, which Egypt has ratified.
The deteriorating humanitarian crisis is also exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Failed mediation attempts have led to sustained violence among the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with significant atrocities, including ethnic killings, reported in regions like West Darfur. In March 2024, the UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding an immediate end to hostilities in Sudan; however, subsequent negotiations faltered as neither party was willing to engage in compromise.
In light of these developments, Refugees International has called for urgent international efforts to compel Egypt to revisit its asylum legislation. Their recommendations include halting the deportations of Sudanese refugees, reinstating community schools, and issuing work permits to Sudanese asylum seekers. They also advocate for the UNHCR to adopt a more assertive stance regarding Egypt’s restrictive policies and to ensure access to detention centers for monitoring refugee conditions. The organization cautions that Egypt’s new asylum system may set a perilous precedent that could further undermine international legal protections for refugees and exacerbate the humanitarian crises for those fleeing conflict in Sudan.
In conclusion, the treatment of Sudanese refugees in Egypt has raised significant concerns among human rights organizations. Refugees International and Amnesty International have documented serious violations and limitations on protections for refugees under Egypt’s new asylum law. The ongoing geopolitical turmoil in Sudan further complicates the crisis, warranting immediate international intervention to address and rectify the situation. Reevaluating Egypt’s asylum policies is crucial to safeguarding the rights of Sudanese refugees and upholding international humanitarian standards.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
