* Any views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Concerns remain over the plight of Syrian refugees in Egypt – as foreign ministers meet in London to discuss the conflict, reports children’s charity Plan International.
Estimates suggest up to 350,000 Syrians are living in Egypt, around half of them children.
Plan is preparing an emergency response plan to help refugees and locals in Alexandria, where there has been limited intervention so far.
Virginia Saiz, Plan’s Acting Country Director in Egypt, says: “There are concerns with potential hostility towards Syrians and negative perceptions from poor Egyptians living in the same communities.
“Housing remains a pressing challenge for refugee communities. Loss of livelihood opportunities is leading to increased levels of vulnerability among Syrians.”
It comes as the UK Foreign Secretary William Hague MP holds a special meeting of 11 foreign ministers, including Egypt’s, in London today (22) to discuss the conflict.
Meanwhile, the international development secretary Justine Greening will also appear before the select committee over the issue.
Plan is currently developing a number of projects in Alexandria including providing education and information, as well as health and environmental services.
“The overall aim is to enhance the lives of those impacted by the crisis by improving their access to basic needs and services within the community.
“The target population is both Syrian refugees and the vulnerable Egyptian population, which will improve co-existence between these two communities,” added Ms Saiz.
There are no Syrian camps in Egypt. Most refugees are living in urban areas, alongside the Egyptian population.
Although initially welcomed, there has been a shift in attitudes towards Syrians in Egypt, particularly after the recent political turmoil.
For more information on Plan’s work or to make a donation call 0800 526 848 or visit www.plan-uk.org
