Alexandria - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Egypt has organized a community event on two days to celebrate the International Migrants Day. The event was attended by 205 of participants from the Sudanese, South Sudanese, Yemeni, and Syrian communities.

The aim of the event was to raise awareness within migrant communities on IOM services including information on COVID-19 and vaccination besides distributing hygiene boxes, t-shirts, and notebooks on relevant information on counter trafficking crime.

“Every year, December 18, is celebrated as International Migrants Day and today the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Egypt seizes the opportunity to recognize the struggles of many people, women, men, girls and boys, around the world, who have left their homeland in search of a brighter future. Migrants Day is celebrated internationally all over the world to honor the human rights of migrants. The UN estimates that there are now 281 million international migrants worldwide. On this day, IOM gathers with the migrant communities to highlight the importance of cohesion, diversity and collective responsibility to create a safer and more resilient world. IOM Egypt wants to reaffirm its commitment to promote a dignified migration for all” said Laurent de Boeck, IOM Chief of Mission to the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Shefaa Al Refaey, Syrian Community Leader representing Soryana local organization in Cairo, emphasized that IOM provides a high quality of needed items to the community members and appreciates the close cooperation among us. 

Sebit Samuel, a South Sudanese Community Leader: “We are pleased with the efforts made by IOM colleagues to hold such a successful event where community members had the chance to present their traditional art performances. We hope to continue cooperation on different aspects”.

The celebration was divided into two days in respect of COVID-19 preventative measures. Different sessions were presented to promote cooperation between IOM and migrant communities.

The event was made possible with the generous support of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands through Strengthening Protection and Assistance to Vulnerable and Stranded Migrants in and Transiting through North Africa (PROTECT II). Also, through the European Union through Regional Response to COVID-19 in North African Countries and the Regional Development and Protection Programme (RDPP) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

 For further information, please contact Omar Awwad at IOM Egypt, Tel: +20 101 2428 527 Email: osawwad@iom.int