#DiveseButUnited: National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM), UN agencies and PROSPECTS Programme launch social inclusion campaign phase two

CAIRO, 20 November 2024 – The National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) and the PROSPECTS program—a collaboration between the Netherlands, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and the International Finance Corporation (IFC)—launched phase two of the joint social inclusion campaign #DiverseButUnited. The awareness-raising campaign focuses on the importance of solidarity among society members and the integration of refugees and migrants.

According to the Government of Egypt figures, more than 1.2 million Sudanese arrived from Sudan since the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023. Many of whom have already approached UNHCR for registration. As of November 17, 2024, UNHCR has a registered refugee population of around 829,697 refugees and asylum-seekers from 59 nationalities, around 40 per cent of whom are children.

Egypt has a long history of hosting refugees from the Middle East and North Africa for over 70 years. The recent increase in the number of refugees and asylum seekers has put a strain on national systems that provide essential services to migrants and refugees, significantly impacting their well-being and integration prospects, especially for children. This requires a collective response from local communities and international partners.

The #DiveseButUnited multimedia campaign aims to promote the principles of solidarity and integration of refugees and migrants into society. As part of this campaign, a public service announcement will be aired on TV channels, featuring the emotive voice of renowned Egyptian Actress Sawsan Badr.  The campaign messages will also be placed at selected metro stations and on social media channels, highlighting the role of all community members—from parents and teachers to peers—in creating solidarity and inclusion.

Dr. Sahar Al-Sonbaty, NCCM President, stated, "The NCCM is the entity entrusted with safeguarding the rights of all children in Egypt. We are dedicated to creating a society where every child and mother feels safe, valued, and included, regardless of their background. The #DiverseButUnited initiative is a critical step towards achieving this goal."

"The rights of children should be protected, wherever they are and whoever they may be. Every child deserves to thrive, regardless of their legal status in the country they reside in. The Netherlands is proud to support this campaign that focuses on both refugee and host community children. Only together can we build inclusive societies where every child has access to crucial services like education and healthcare," stated H.E. Peter Mollema, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Egypt.

"Every child, no matter who they are or where they come from, has the right to a fair chance in life. At UNICEF, we are committed to working closely with the Egyptian government, our partners, and communities to ensure every child has access to the social services they need to grow, learn, and thrive. These services don’t just help children—they build stronger, more inclusive communities. By supporting both refugee and host community children, we’re investing in a more equitable and resilient future for all. Our #DiverseButUnited campaign, in partnership with the NCCM, is a call to action for everyone to come together to create a just and harmonious environment,” said Nathalie Meyer, Representative a.i., UNICEF in Egypt.

"At UNHCR, we believe that every individual has the right to live with dignity and hope, regardless of their status. The #DiverseButUnited campaign is more than just an initiative; it's a commitment to nurture a society where refugees and migrants are not only recognized but embraced as integral members of the community. Our collective efforts with NCCM and PROSPECTS are aimed at breaking down barriers and building bridges of understanding and support. Together, we can ensure that the voices of the displaced are heard and their potential is realized, paving the way for a future where everyone, especially the children who represent our shared future, can thrive without fear of discrimination or exclusion,” said Dr. Hanan Hamdan, UNHCR Representative to the Government of Egypt and to the League of Arab States.

“As we join hands with UNICEF, UNHCR, IFC, and with the support of the Kingdom of Netherlands, and NCCM, we reaffirm our dedication to working together through the PROSPECTS partnership to promote inclusion between refugees and host communities. This collaboration is a testament to our unwavering commitment to building inclusive communities that honour the worth of every individual. By working together, we aim to create pathways to opportunity and ensure that no one is left behind. Let us strive to make this vision a reality.” Stressed Eric Oechslin, Director of ILO’s Country Office for Egypt and Eritrea, and Decent Work Team for North Africa.”

“The private sector plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by refugees and displaced populations,” said Saad Sabrah, IFC’s Country Head for Egypt. “IFC’s partnership with PROSPECTS program demonstrates our commitment to business investments that prioritize social inclusion for a more equitable and sustainable future for all."

Media Contacts:

• Amena Mawad - Communications officer- ILO Egypt [email protected]
• Christine Beshay - Associate External Relations Officer, UNHCR Egypt [email protected]
• Sara Moussa - Regional Communications Lead, North Africa and Horn of Africa – International Finance Cooperation  [email protected] 
• Sally Barsoum - Policy Officer, Public Diplomacy - Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Egypt [email protected]