Egypt - Q&A - Excerpts from the daily press briefing (23.01.19)
Q - With respect to Egypt: the UNHCR budget is steadily shrinking while the number of refugees is steadily rising (5 million according to the Egyptian president). In 2018, the UNHCR received only half the funds it needed to assist refugees in Egypt. Germany provides some of the financing for these funds, but not France. The EU wants to launch a new partnership on migration with Egypt; will this be discussed during President Macron’s visit? Is France considering the possibility of providing financial support for Egypt in its effort to resettle refugees or not?
A - The High Commissioner for Refugees (HCR) is one of France’s major partners, as illustrated by our financial support for its efforts (€33 million in 2018).
France’s commitment to protecting refugees is reflected by the resettlement of refugees in France, in keeping with pledges made by the President. It may also be seen through our efforts to impose UN sanctions on migrant traffickers and on those responsible for human trafficking and slavery, to break up networks, and to address serious human rights violations. Discussions at the European level are aimed at responding in a coordinated, effective manner to the challenges raised by migration.
France attributes particular importance to its relationship and smooth cooperation with the HCR and with the International Organization for Migration to ease the suffering of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees.
It will continue to pay particularly close attention to the HCR’s efforts and to all initiatives that can be carried out by the nations that have volunteered to assist refugees fleeing armed conflicts. It will continue working to find solution to crises that have tragically given rise to displaced populations.
Monitoring and managing migration is an important subject that France is discussing with Egypt, particularly on a bilateral basis.