Over 300,000 Sudanese refugees seek refuge in Chad

Over 300,000 Sudanese refugees seek refuge in Chad

More than 300,000 individuals, compelled by the conflict in Sudan, have fled in search of safety and sanctuary in Chad, augmenting the existing 580,000 refugees already present there.

Chad’s willingness to embrace Sudanese refugees is notable, yet Chad itself faces economic limitations and is grappling with its own crisis, emphasizes David Miliband, President, and CEO of the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

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The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that a significant 90% of the newly arrived individuals from Sudan consist of women and children.

Alarmingly, a fifth of these young children in Chad are grappling with severe malnourishment, a condition fraught with life-threatening implications.

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The predominance of women and children among the fresh arrivals is a cause for heightened concern.

In conflict scenarios, these groups are particularly vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and abuse.

Additionally, they might encounter hurdles in accessing essential essentials like sustenance, water, and medical care, as pointed out by Aleksandra Roulet-Cimpric, the IRC’s Country Director in Chad.

Despite the critical requirement for aid to Sudanese refugees arriving in Chad, global donors have fallen short in financing the humanitarian response within the nation.

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Mwiti Mungania, the IRC’s Emergency Country Director in Chad, underscores that of the $226 million USD requested to address this crisis, merely 11% of the necessary funding has been secured.

A swift and decisive response is imperative to bridge this funding gap and ensure the essential resources reach those in dire need.