Aid workers talking to Sudanese refugee leaders outside under a tree

Crisis 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, more than 686,000 refugees have crossed into Chad from Sudan — 86% of whom are women and children.

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, 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. There are alarming reports of sexual violence and other  protection abuses from those seeking refuge in Chad.

Challenges

Challenges

Those fleeing the violence in Sudan face numerous challenges as they arrive in eastern Chad. There are widespread needs for greater food, shelter, and protection support as refugees seek safety in camps. In Arkoum, a camp with a capacity of 40,000 people, between five and 10 children die of malnutrition each week. The 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. Prior to the Sudan conflict Chad hosted over 400,000 refugees from various countries. Many refugees are now fleeing to urban areas, including the capital N’Djamena; however, they also have challenges accessing services there.

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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