by Deana Safarini

‘A refugee should not have to have a passport; a refugee should not have to do any of the things that they’ve been required to do. But that’s what happened.’ – This poignant statement from a key interviewee encapsulates the harsh realities faced by Sudanese refugees fleeing to Egypt. Since the conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023, over 3.5 million people have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, with Egypt hosting nearly 35% of them according to the IOM. But the journey to safety is fraught with danger, and life in Egypt presents its own set of challenges.

The Perilous Journey to Egypt 

The journey from Sudan to Egypt is riddled with peril. [D1] Displaced families often face violence, exploitation, and abuse at checkpoints controlled by armed groups. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, while boys risk detention and physical abuse. For many, the only way to cross the border is through smugglers, who charge exorbitant fees and sometimes abandon their passengers in the desert.  

Even at the border, refugees face bureaucratic hurdles. Egypt, once a haven for Sudanese nationals, has imposed strictvisa requirements, forcing families to separate and wait for weeks in dire conditions. Many turn to smugglers out of desperation, only to face further exploitation. The situation is especially dire for non-Sudanese refugees, who often lack the language skills or resources to navigate these challenges. 

Life in Egypt: A Struggle for Survival 

Once in Egypt, refugees encounter a new set of obstacles. The country’s economic crisis, marked by soaring inflation and unemployment, has made life difficult for both Egyptians and refugees. Many Sudanese professionals are unable to secure work permits, forcing them into informal jobs with poor pay and exploitative conditions. Children are often pulled out of school to work in hazardous environments or beg on the streets, exposing them to abuse and trafficking. 

Refugees also face significant barriers to accessing basic services. While Egypt has a long history of hosting refugees, the current influx has overwhelmed existing systems. Many refugees struggle to register with the UNHCR, either due to misconceptions about the process or the lack of immediate benefits. Those who do register often face delays in receiving assistance, leaving them reliant on overstretched NGOs and community organisations. 

Rising Risks of Trafficking and Exploitation 

The combination of displacement, economic hardship, and limited legal protections has left refugees highly vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation. Women and girls are at particular risk of gender-based violence, including forced marriages and sexual exploitation. Seasonal marriages, where women are married off for short periods in exchange for money, have become increasingly common. These arrangements, often involving underage girls, are not legally recognised and offer no protection to the women involved. Other organisations noted an increase in cases of forced labour in specific sectors, like mining and domestic work.  There were even allegations of an increase in organ trafficking.  

The Strain on Service Providers 

Service providers in Egypt are struggling to meet the growing needs of refugees. Funding shortages, bureaucratic restrictions, and the sheer scale of the crisis have left many organisations overstretched. Refugee-led organisations, which play a crucial role in supporting their communities, often operate informally due to legal and financial constraints. This limits their ability to provide essential services, from housing and healthcare to psychosocial support. 

Stigma and discrimination further complicate efforts to assist refugees. Many refugees are reluctant to report violations due to fear of retaliation or mistrust of authorities. The police are often seen as unsympathetic, and the process of filing a complaint can be stigmatising and discriminatory. This leaves many refugees without access to justice, even when they are exploited by landlords, employers, or traffickers. 

Recommendations 

The crisis in Sudan has created a humanitarian emergency that extends far beyond its borders, placing immense pressure on host countries like Egypt and the organisations working to support refugees. Despite the overwhelming challenges, service providers – including refugee-led organisations – have been at the forefront of efforts to protect and assist survivors of trafficking and exploitation. These organisations play a vital role in filling gaps in services, from providing psychosocial support and legal aid to offering safe housing and livelihood opportunities. 

However, their efforts are severely constrained by limited funding, bureaucratic hurdles, and the sheer scale of the crisis. The recent pause on USAID funding has further exacerbated these challenges, leaving many organisations struggling to meet the growing needs of refugees. To address this, service providers requested support to strengthen coordination amongst them, improve referral mechanisms for trafficking cases, and ensure that they can address the growing needs on the ground.

The international community must step up its efforts to support these organisations, not only through increased funding but also by fostering partnerships that enhance their capacity to deliver services effectively. By investing in refugee-led initiatives and strengthening collaboration between stakeholders, we can ensure that survivors of trafficking and exploitation receive the comprehensive support they need to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. 

The stories of Sudanese refugees in Egypt are a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict. They also highlight the resilience and determination of service providers who continue to work tirelessly in the face of immense challenges. It is imperative that we amplify their efforts and provide them with the resources and support necessary to create a more just and equitable response to this crisis. 

This piece is part of a series that addresses the conflict as well as other subjects pertaining to Sudan, such as employment, forced displacement, gender, humanitarian needs, migration and political participation. 

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