UNHCR provides aid to Sudanese refugees in Cairo

Jan 3, 2006 (UNITED NATIONS) — The United Nations has been providing aid to documented Sudanese refugees who were recently released by the Egyptian authorities after last week’s fatal confrontation between police and refugees protesting in a Cairo park.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has sent medicines and 1,000 blankets to one of the major congregation points, many of which are in churches.

The agency said it is also working with Egyptian banks on a shelter assistance programme for homeless refugees which would allow them to receive a one-time monetary grant for housing.

Immediately after last week’s violence that caused about twenty deaths, Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the UNHCR both expressed deep shock and sadness over the confrontation.

Both also voiced regret that the situation was not resolved peacefully and through dialogue, as UNHCR had strongly urged.

Up to 2,500 Sudanese migrants had been demonstrating in Cairo’s Mostafa Mahmoud Park since 29 September, demanding resettlement to third countries and better living conditions, according to UNHCR.

(UN News Ceentre/ST)