November 19, Nairobi — In a survey published by the United Nations Refugee Agency on Monday, 95 percent of respondents reported that children were highly exposed to abuse and harm during their journey in Sudan.
84 percent of refugees said they had witnessed death in Sudan and 70 percent had experienced sexual violence. El Geneina in West Darfur was perceived as the most dangerous location en route to Chad. The city has been plagued by clashes between the the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
More than 930,000 people fleeing the war in Sudan have sought refuge in eastern Chad since April 2023. The province of Ouaddaï, bordering Darfur, has become the epicentre of the refugee crisis.
Most of the respondents to the UN survey said they plan to remain in eastern Chad for the short and long-term. But last week, Crisis Group said there was a severe inadequacy of aid. The UN also said that the ongoing influx of refugees is “putting pressure on livelihoods and increasing the labor supply and competition in a context of scarce agricultural and non-agricultural job opportunities.” There is insufficient volume and irregular distribution of food assistance.
Local initiatives have been started to help the refugee population in eastern Chad. A field clinic specializing in obstetrics and gynecology has been started by Sudanese volunteers in Adre to fill the gap in medical services. Women’s right campaigners have also spoken of their concern over female genital mutilation among Sudanese refugees in camps on the border of Chad.