Safe migration routes from Sudan to Egypt urgently needed
Since conflict broke out in Sudan in April 2023, it has displaced over 3.5 million people, with nearly 35% fleeing to Egypt in search of safety. But the journey is anything but safe. Refugees endure violence and extortion along the way, only to face strict visa requirements at Egypt’s border that delay entry and separate families. An article by the London School of Economics exposes these dangers and the obstacles refugees face as they try to reach safety.
Unsafe journey, unsafe destination
The journey from Sudan to Egypt is treacherous. Armed groups abuse and exploit refugees along the way. Many turn to smugglers, who demand exorbitant fees and often abandon them in the desert or place them in even more dangerous situations. Tightened borders and strict visa requirements tear families apart, leaving many with no choice but to cross illegally—putting them at even greater risk of exploitation. Women and girls face heightened threats of gender-based violence, while many boys endure detention or physical abuse.
Life doesn’t get easier once refugees reach Egypt. The economic crisis in the country, marked by high inflation and unemployment, has made daily survival nearly impossible. The government denies many Sudanese refugees work visas, forcing them into low-paying and high-risk informal jobs. The article underscores the heightened risk for women:
“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 recognized and offer no protection to the women involved.”
Some children have been pulled out of school to help their families earn income. These children often end up in unsafe working conditions or on the streets, exposing them to abuse and trafficking.
Refugees’ vulnerabilities have paved the way for extreme exploitation, including forced labor and trafficking, particularly in the mining and domestic work sectors. Reports have also noted an increase in organ trafficking.