Cairo, 1 December 2019 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission to the Arab Republic of Egypt launched the regional programme "Strengthening Protection and Assistance to Vulnerable and Stranded Migrants in and Transiting through North Africa (PROTECT II)", funded by the generous contribution of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The PROTECT II programme represents a continuation of the PROTECT I, which ended successfully in September 2019, and will operate in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt and Ethiopia.

This phase of the programme will provide assistance and protection to stranded and vulnerable migrants, including the possibility to voluntarily return back from North African countries and sustainably reintegrate in their respective countries of origin, to enhance their living standards in respect of their rights. Through PROTECT II the IOM Missions in the target countries, in cooperation with the public stakeholders and other actors, will be able to respond to emergencies and unexpected critical conditions by providing vulnerable migrants with assistance to meet their first and basic needs.

The launch event was opened by IOM Egypt Chief of Mission Mr. Laurent De Boeck, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Egypt H.E. Mr. Laurens Westhoff, and Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt H.E. Mr. Amr Elsherbiny. Mr. De Boeck expressed his gratitude for the excellent cooperation with the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Government of Egypt in assisting the most vulnerable sectors of the society. H.E. Westhoff stated his happiness for the launching of the PROTECT II programme, which will support stranded and vulnerable migrants. H.E. Elsherbiny noted the fruitful cooperation with IOM and the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and expressed his satisfaction for the commencing of such relevant regional programme in the North African region assisting the most indigent migrants, responding to emergencies and helping those who want voluntarily return to their country of origin.

The launch event included also a detailed presentation of the PROTECT II programme content and direct testimonies from representatives of migrant communities.

For more information, please contact Wigdan Mohamad at IOM Egypt, Tel: + 20 10 12428527 Email: wimohamad@iom.int