“Softly-Softly”: A New Approach to Integrate Syrian Refugees in Egyptian Community!
By Kareem Sheta
History has proven that Egypt always stands by its fellow neighboring Arab countries through times of turmoil. Refugees, one of the most widespread and constantly increasing segments, are in desperate need of help from both the Middle East and the rest of the world. “Egypt has hosted 10 million refugees from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Palestine, Sudan, Somalia and other countries,” said Parliament speaker Ali Abdel Aal.
Egypt’s commendable methodology focuses on integrating refugees rather than isolating them in refugee camps. This technique is also referred to as a “softly-softly” approach. All registered refugees have access to the country’s public health care system while those from Syria and Sudan have access to public education. The UNHCR previously stated, “The model that Egypt represents with regards to social inclusiveness has proved to be successful and fosters the co-existence and social cohesion between Egyptians and refugees.”
Consequently, Cairo rejected the European Proposal for setting up refugee camps in Egypt that would be used as processing centers for the resettlement of refugees fleeing Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. Abdel Aal justified Egypt’s opinion stating that EU’s proposal would “violate the laws and constitution of our country and that “Egyptian law does not allow for the establishment of refugee camps, and that legally registered refugees should be free to choose where to live”.
