Almost one million people have fled to Chad due to the ongoing war in Sudan, including over 720,000 refugees and 220,000 returnees. Heavy violence has impacted primarily women and children, leading to a vast humanitarian need. Local organizations warn that educational resources and protection measures are desperately lacking, with significant portions of the refugee population remaining without adequate support.
Since the outbreak of war in Sudan nearly two years ago, nearly one million individuals have fled to neighboring Chad. This number includes over 720,000 Sudanese refugees and more than 220,000 Chadians who have returned due to the conflict. With women and children constituting 90% of those displaced, many have sadly endured severe acts of violence, including torture and sexual slavery. Humanitarian organizations in Chad emphasize the dire need for protection and educational resources for these individuals.
Nima, a refugee who traveled for five days with her three daughters to reach Chad, shared her relief upon arrival, stating, “When we finally arrived in Chad, I was very happy and relieved. For a second, I forgot the fear.” However, she quickly voiced her ongoing anxiety as her daughter suffers from nightmares related to their traumatic experiences. Nima expressed a profound need for peace and safety, indicating discomfort in their current living situation.
Over two-thirds of the refugees arriving in Chad report experiencing some form of violence, with a third having experienced physical assault. Data from a UN fact-finding mission highlighted extensive sexual violence committed by armed actors in Sudan. Alix Camus, President of the INGO Forum, noted the severe trauma refugees face and the necessity for comprehensive child protection, education, and support for mental health amidst a growing humanitarian crisis.
Chad has become home to a significant portion of newly displaced Sudanese refugees, which has exacerbated the challenges faced by one of the world’s poorest nations. Despite local and national humanitarian efforts to provide basic supplies and aid since April 2023, funding remains severely inadequate—only 30% of the Refugee Response Plan was funded in 2024.
In eastern Chad, more than 80% of school-aged children, including refugees, returnees, and local children, did not attend school in 2024 due to a lack of educational infrastructure and teachers. Mastam Degolmal from the Norwegian Refugee Council highlighted the urgency of educational access for children, emphasizing its critical role in restoring stability and hope following their traumatic experiences.
Organizations involved in supporting refugees urge the establishment of robust regional funding mechanisms to ensure that Chad and other neighboring countries adequately address the humanitarian crisis stemming from the conflict in Sudan. Amadou Bocoum from CARE called attention to the necessity for increased international assistance to support the displaced individuals who have found refuge in Chad, which has welcomed them under challenging conditions.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a significant refugee crisis, with almost one million individuals fleeing to Chad in search of safety. Among them, a vast majority are women and children who have endured various forms of violence and trauma. Humanitarian organizations are striving to meet their urgent needs while highlighting the stark shortfall in funding and resources available to provide essential services like education and protection to these vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, the humanitarian crisis resulting from the war in Sudan has forced nearly one million individuals into Chad, with women and children disproportionately affected. Reports indicate that these refugees face significant trauma and require urgent assistance. Despite Chad’s efforts to support them, funding remains critically low, underscoring the need for increased international support to address the overwhelming challenges facing these communities. Education and mental health support are particularly emphasized as essential for rebuilding hope and stability.
Original Source: www.care.org
