Hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees in Chad are facing a severe lack of basic aid due to a critical funding shortfall for the humanitarian response, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) warned on Wednesday.
The ongoing war in Sudan has triggered a massive displacement crisis, forcing over 12 million people to flee their homes. Hundreds of thousands have sought refuge in neighboring Chad, joining Chadian returnees displaced by previous conflicts.
The $630 million UN-led response plan for Sudanese refugees in Chad has received only 30% of the necessary funding, leaving aid agencies struggling to provide essential services.
“This is without a doubt the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, and it does not stop at Sudan’s borders,” said NRC Country Director Dermot Hegarty. “There needs to be an urgent upscaling of regional funding mechanisms.”
The NRC report highlights significant gaps in food assistance, protection services, and education for refugees.
“Food assistance fell drastically short of covering their daily needs,” the report stated. “Protection and education sectors also face severe funding shortages.”
The majority of refugees arriving in Chad, including a large proportion of women and children, have experienced trauma, including violence, torture, and sexual abuse.
“Most refugees cross the border with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and an abundance of harrowing stories,” said Alix Camus, president of a forum of NGOs cooperating with the NRC.
Camus emphasized the urgent need for increased support for child protection, education, mental health services, and the prevention and treatment of sexual and gender-based violence.
The report serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for increased international support to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan and its neighboring countries.