Nearly one million individuals have fled Sudan to Chad amid ongoing conflict, with over 720,000 being Sudanese refugees and 220,000 Chadian returnees. Most displaced persons are women and children, many subjected to severe violence. Humanitarian responses lack adequate funding, especially for education and protection, leaving children in dire need of schooling and mental health support.
As the conflict in Sudan continues, nearly one million people have sought refuge in Chad, comprising over 720,000 Sudanese refugees and approximately 220,000 Chadians returning home. A staggering 90% of those displaced are women and children, many subjected to horrific violence, including torture and sexual assault. Despite the efforts of twenty-three humanitarian organizations, most refugees lack essential protection and education support.
Nima, a refugee who walked for five days to reach Chad, expressed a fleeting moment of happiness upon arrival, only for her fears to resurface. Her daughter suffers from nightmares, evoking memories of their trauma. Nima articulates the struggle to reassure her children amidst her own insecurity, emphasizing the dire need for peace.
According to monitoring data, over two-thirds of new arrivals have experienced violence, with one-third reporting physical assaults. A UN fact-finding mission has confirmed widespread sexual violence in Sudan. As Nima reflects, the emotional and psychological scars of their experiences must be addressed, with urgent attention needed for child protection, education, mental health, and the prevention of gender-based violence.
Chad, one of the world’s poorest countries, now hosts a significant portion of the world’s largest displacement crisis, yet humanitarian funding is alarmingly insufficient. In 2024, only 30% of the Refugee Response Plan was funded, exacerbating food shortages and leaving significant gaps in education and protection services. Many children in eastern Chad are out of school, highlighting the urgent need for educational support in the face of trauma.
Mastam Degolmal from the Norwegian Refugee Council stresses the necessity for educational opportunities for children, stating that schools provide stability and hope in their lives despite the challenges they face. Several organizations advocate for increased funding to enable a robust humanitarian response, ensuring that assistance reaches those affected by the crisis.
Amadou Bocoum from CARE emphasizes that the humanitarian crisis extends beyond Sudan’s borders, urging the international community to provide adequate support for refugees in Chad. Chad’s efforts to grant asylum are commendable, but they require international solidarity and increased resources to effectively assist these vulnerable populations.
Since the outbreak of war in Sudan nearly two years ago, the humanitarian situation has rapidly deteriorated, forcing countless individuals to flee their homes. An overwhelming majority of those affected are women and children, who face significant risks and hardships throughout their displacement. The international response has been critically underfunded, leaving humanitarian organizations struggling to provide the necessary assistance in Chad, a country already facing economic challenges.
The situation in Chad highlights a pressing humanitarian crisis stemming from the ongoing conflict in Sudan, with nearly one million people displaced and in dire need of support. The emotional scars and educational needs of the refugee population must be addressed without delay, requiring robust international funding and assistance. As the international community looks on, it is essential to ensure these vulnerable families receive the relief and stability they urgently deserve.
Original Source: www.care.org
