The estimated number of refugees from southern Sudan living in Cairo is about 50,000.

We thank the UNHCR for their good work in making it possible for thousands of refugees to resettle; and for providing much needed educational, medical, and food support of those waiting for resettlement. Other humanitarian organizations have provide valuable assistance to Cairo's displaced peoples.

Since August of 2005, due to the peace agreement signed between the government of Sudan and the southern SPLA supported factions, the UNHCR has not been able to process new applications. As a consequence most refugees living in the Cairo metro area have no place to go.

Based on our research, at least 20,000 of these refugees are school-aged children; yet only about five to six thousand are in schools; and many of these schools are little more than dirt lots with a perimeter of huts.

Local experts expect that these needy peoples will continue to live in Cairo for at least the next two to four years, waiting for the slim chance to emigrate to a western country, or to return to Sudan, should there be true peace and some modicum of hope for their children.