UNHCR warns of halt to cash assistance for Sudanese in Egypt

^{The official logo of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) (People's Daily)}

May 5, 2026 (PEN) The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warned that cash assistance programs for Sudanese refugees in Egypt could be suspended after per capita funding fell from $11 to just $4.

Christine Bishai, the UNHCR spokesperson in Egypt, said that the number of refugees registered with the UNHCR has increased from 300,000 three years ago to more than 1.1 million refugees by the end of April 2026, while funding has remained at the levels of 2022, i.e., before the outbreak of the Sudan crisis.

She noted that the cash assistance program for the most needy families has received only 2% of the required funding, which has reduced the number of beneficiary families by more than half, warning that the program may stop within the next few weeks if additional support does not arrive.

In this context, Bishai presented the case of Nawal, a Sudanese mother and widow who depends on this support to support 6 children, explaining that she receives 1,520 Egyptian pounds per month, or about $29, an amount that is not enough to secure food and education for her children.

She stated that the Egyptian government has entrusted the commission with the tasks of registration and protection, and providing health, educational and psychological support to the most needy families.

Bishai confirmed that the UNHCR is working with donors, the private sector and government agencies to provide support, noting that some companies have begun providing training and job opportunities for refugees, helping them build their capacities in preparation for a safe and dignified return when conditions allow.