‘This is what I have to do to survive’: the Sudan refugees forced into sex work

What Happened

Sudanese female refugees in Egypt are increasingly subjected to sexual exploitation and forced into sex work as a survival mechanism, according to reports from 19 aid workers, medical professionals, and refugees. The crisis is driven by a lack of legal employment, the absence of financial support following funding shortfalls at UNHCR and the cessation of USAID assistance, and the inability of refugees to access formal labor markets. Many women, including those previously employed as professionals in Sudan, report that they are targeted by exploiters due to their status as single mothers or their lack of male financial support. Reports indicate that women are frequently coerced into sexual acts in exchange for food, rent, or the promise of residency paperwork, while those working in domestic or informal factory roles face high risks of sexual assault and wage theft.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The situation highlights the secondary humanitarian crisis facing the 1.5 million Sudanese refugees in Egypt, where the collapse of international aid and the lack of legal protections have left vulnerable populations exposed to systemic exploitation. This trend underscores the long-term socio-economic consequences of the conflict, as displaced women are forced to abandon their professional identities and face severe risks to their physical safety and social standing.

Watch For

Monitor for potential shifts in Egyptian government policy regarding the legal status and work permits for Sudanese refugees, as well as any adjustments to international funding allocations for UNHCR and other aid organizations operating in the region to address the protection gap.