Aid workers talking to Sudanese refugee leaders outside under a tree

Emergency ResponseSudanese Refugees in Chad

HIAS is providing vital services in Chad to support those displaced by violent civil conflict in Sudan.

Overview

Newly arrived refugee children from Darfur sit beside a makeshift shelter in Arkoum Refugee Camp in Eastern Chad on August 14, 2023. (Monim Haroon/HIAS)

Since April 2023, nearly 500,000 refugees have crossed into Chad from Sudan — 86% of whom are women and children.

There are alarming reports of sexual violence and other grave protection abuses from those seeking refuge in Chad. The recent conflict in Sudan began in April and quickly spread beyond the capital of Khartoum to other parts of the country. Within a month, some 80,000 refugees had already crossed the border into Chad and the numbers have escalated since then.

HIAS, which has operated in Chad for nearly 20 years, is maintaining a robust presence in the 10 emergency camps established for refugees and is providing essential services to thousands of displaced people. HIAS is working with new arrivals and host communities to provide food assistance, GBV awareness-raising activities, child protection activities, mental health counseling, and training on peaceful cohabitation and conflict prevention. HIAS also provides protection services for people who transfer between camps each week.

Challenges

Challenges

Those fleeing the violence in Sudan face numerous challenges as the arrive in eastern Chad. There are widespread needs for greater food, shelter and protection support as refugees seek safety in one of numerous camps. In Arkoum, a camp with a capacity of 40,000 people, between five and 10 children die of malnutrition each week. Equally, these camps lack sufficient clean water and safe sanitation and hygiene services. All those displaced, especially women and children, need protection and psychosocial support. Many camps lack electrical power. 

The situation remains equally difficult outside of the camps as a significant number of new refugees strain hosting communities. Worth noting, prior to the Sudan conflict, Chad hosted over 400,000 refugees from various countries. Many refugees are fleeing to urban areas, including the capital N’Djamena; however, they have challenges accessing services.

READ THE CHAD EMERGENCY RESPONSE FACT SHEET
HIAS personnel in Chad and Sudanese refugees engage in a gender-based violence mitigation training session at the HIAS training center at the Gaga Refugee Camp in eastern Chad on August 10, 2023.
HIAS personnel in Chad and Sudanese refugees engage in a gender-based violence mitigation training session at the HIAS training center at the Gaga Refugee Camp in eastern Chad on August 10, 2023. (Monim Haroon/HIAS)

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