N’Djamena , March 3(Darfur 24)The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees revealed that Chadian officials are concerned about the arrival of more hungry Sudanese families to their territory in the coming weeks.
553,000 Sudanese have crossed the border into Chad since the outbreak of war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, including 90% women and children.
The UNHCR expressed its increasing concern about more refugees crossing into Chad from Darfur in the coming weeks, amid a severe shortage of food and other necessary materials.
Deputy High Commissioner Kelly Clements said in a press statement that Chadian officials are concerned about the arrival of more hungry Sudanese families in the coming weeks.
She added: “Chad is committed to keeping its borders open, despite the fragility of the situation in this region. But doing so would put more pressure on them, which have graciously hosted refugees from the war now raging in Sudan.”
In December 2023, the World Food Program suspended rations for some refugee groups in the country due to lack of funding. Before the Chadian government declared a state of emergency on food and nutrition security.
77% of all women fleeing Sudan arrived alone in Chad with their children. Many of them have been subjected to sexual abuse, including rape.
Clements added: “new arrivals have slowed in recent months, but this could change quickly. Even without more coming, needs now far exceed the capabilities of humanitarian agencies. There are real fears that the border region will face another lean season before heavy rains hit the camps.”
She continued: “Resources are scarce and humanitarian funding is very limited, and we need development actors to quickly intensify their efforts.” “The dire situation could become much worse very soon unless a concerted effort is made to deliver more to Chad.”