Egypt’s child welfare council and UNHCR sign deal to support refugee and asylum-seeking children

CAIRO - 11 MARCH 2026: Egypt’s National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) has signed a cooperation protocol with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to expand support for refugee and other incoming children in Egypt, with a focus on protection and integration.

The protocol was signed by Sahar El-Sonbaty, head of the NCCM, and Hanan Hamdan, UNHCR’s Representative in Egypt and to the Arab League, in the presence of NCCM Secretary General Wael Abdel Razek and the council’s legal adviser Mohamed Sayed Abdel Azim, according to the council.

El-Sonbaty said Egypt deals with migrants and refugees from different nationalities without discrimination, and works to integrate them into society so they can access basic and social services like Egyptian citizens.

She said the new agreement is meant to create a clear, institutional framework so refugee and asylum-seeking children can take part in NCCM services and activities, helping strengthen their protection and ensure access to basic rights.

Referral pathways for children at risk

A key part of the protocol is coordination between NCCM and UNHCR, including activating referral pathways for children who are at risk. The aim is to help them reach support and protection services faster, while also improving institutional and operational support, exchanging expertise, and building capacity in international protection.

El-Sonbaty also said the cooperation will expand the use of “best interests” procedures for refugee and asylum-seeking children, in line with international child protection standards.

The council also highlighted its legal role under Egypt’s constitution and relevant laws, including its capacity to act as a legal representative for unaccompanied children when families or legal guardians cannot be identified.

Child helpline 16000

NCCM said its Child Helpline (16000) receives reports related to children without discrimination, and works to intervene quickly when a child is at risk of violence, neglect, or harm, while coordinating with relevant authorities to secure protection.

UNHCR: partnership is about protection and empowerment

Hamdan thanked NCCM for its work supporting refugee children and helping them access services and integrate into Egyptian society. She said UNHCR is ready to work closely with the council to strengthen children’s rights and protection, adding that the goal is not only to protect women and children, but also to empower them.

She said the partnership will help strengthen the national system to identify risks early, respond effectively, and protect every child’s right to safety and dignity.