Ahmad 
Hanan Hamdan, Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Egypt and the League of Arab States, revealed that Egypt hosts more than 600,000 registered refugees.
Hamdan explained that refugees in Egypt enjoy the advantage of mobility and integration into the local community, unlike countries that rely on camps, noting that Egypt represents a model to be emulated in this regard.
Regarding the role of the Commission, Hamdan explained that registering refugees and asylum seekers is the basic step to ensure that they receive protection and rights stipulated in international laws.
She noted that the Commission is working to find resettlement opportunities for some refugees in other countries in cases that meet the criteria.
Hamdan spoke about the Commission’s initiatives to support host communities, such as cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports in training refugees and citizens on software to improve their skills and provide job opportunities.
She indicated the Commission’s readiness to support the Egyptian government in dealing with the situation in Gaza, within the framework of its coordination role in humanitarian aid.
Hamdan praised the strategic partnership between UNHCR and the Egyptian government, including a platform supported by $12.5 million from the European Union to enhance health and education services.
She discussed a comprehensive response plan with a budget of $313.5 million to meet the needs of refugees and host communities.
Hamdan stressed that Egypt did not request support in exchange for hosting refugees but called on the international community to support Egypt in continuing this important humanitarian role in light of the current economic challenges.
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