Sudanese refugees protest against UNHCR in Cairo

Complain against prolonged stay in Egypt without resettlement in a third country

A number of Sudanese refugees staged a sit-in protest in front of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Cairo on Sunday.The refugees, a majority from Darfur, are protesting against their prolonged stay in Egypt as asylum seekers, without being resettled in a third country.

The protesters demanded the release of fellow Darfuris, who are currently facing detention in Egyptian prisons.

They also raised attention towards partial treatment shown towards members of the refugee community with respect to monthly grants awarded by the UNHCR. People in the crowd alleged that many of the refugees were denied payment.

Apart from other issues the sit-in, which is expected to last three days, is also trying to raise awareness towards poor health conditions that the refugees suffer from.