War in Sudan Displaces Nearly One Million People to Chad: Urgent Need for Humanitarian Aid
Since the Sudan conflict began, nearly one million people have fled to Chad, with a majority being women and children. They face significant trauma and lack basic protections and educational resources. Humanitarian organizations have called for increased international support to address these urgent needs and assist the beleaguered region effectively.
Since the onset of conflict in Sudan nearly two years ago, almost one million individuals have sought refuge in neighboring Chad. This figure includes over 720,000 Sudanese refugees and more than 220,000 Chadian returnees. Women and children constitute 90% of those displaced, many suffering severe violence, including torture and sexual assault. Humanitarian organizations caution that most refugees lack critical protection and educational assistance.
Nima, a refugee who trekked five days to reach Chad with her family, expressed a fleeting sense of relief upon arrival, quickly overshadowed by persistent fears, particularly for her daughters, who experience nightmares. Over two-thirds of new arrivals in Chad report violence during their journey to safety, with significant incidents of physical assault recorded.
Alix Camus, President of the INGO Forum, highlights that most refugees arrive with minimal possessions and traumatic experiences. He stresses the immediate need for adequate mental health, child protection, and educational resources, noting that funding shortages jeopardize these essential services.
Chad now accommodates one-third of the newly displaced Sudanese refugees, exacerbating one of the world’s largest displacement crises within one of its poorest nations. Humanitarian groups face a stark lack of resources, with only 30% of the Refugee Response Plan funded in 2024, while food aid fails to meet basic needs, leaving many families in dire situations.
The education sector reveals alarming gaps, as over 80% of children—both refugees and returnees—lacked schooling opportunities in 2024. A UNHCR assessment indicated crumbling school infrastructure and insufficient teaching staff, undermining children’s prospects for a stable future amidst their trauma.
Organizations call for stronger regional funding mechanisms to support neighboring countries overwhelmed by the refugee crisis, emphasizing the responsibility of the international community. Amadou Bocoum, Country Director of CARE in Chad, underscores the urgent need for increased assistance, advocating for global solidarity in light of Chad’s challenges in accommodating refugees.
The war in Sudan has generated a massive humanitarian crisis, forcing nearly one million individuals to escape into Chad within a span of two years. The influx includes a significant majority of women and children, many of whom have suffered horrific violence. Humanitarian organizations have raised alarms over inadequate access to protection and education assistance for these vulnerable populations, complicating an already dire situation in a country struggling with limited resources.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, resulting in the displacement of almost one million people to Chad. The need for comprehensive support—particularly in mental health, education, and protection—is critical. Without increased international aid and funding, both refugees and host communities will continue to face insurmountable challenges. Collaborative efforts are essential to ensure the well-being and future of those affected by the crisis.
Original Source: www.care.org
