The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has issued a grave warning about the plight of Sudanese refugees fleeing to Chad, highlighting widespread human rights abuses and the devastating impact on the civilian population.
According to the UNHCR, a staggering 71% of refugees arriving in Chad have reported experiencing human rights violations while escaping the conflict in Sudan.
These atrocities include targeted killings, sexual violence, and the destruction of homes and livelihoods.
Dominique Hyde, the director of external relations at UNHCR, described the situation as “devastating,” with families arriving in a state of shock and fear.
She emphasized the vulnerability of women and children, who constitute nearly 90% of the refugee population.
Chad, already hosting 400,000 Sudanese refugees, has become overwhelmed by the influx of over 700,000 new arrivals since the war began in April 2023.
The recent escalation of violence in Darfur and the retreat of floodwaters have further intensified the crisis, with 60,000 refugees crossing the border in October alone.
The UNHCR is calling on the international community to provide urgent humanitarian aid and support to both the refugees and the host country.
The agency is also urging all parties to the conflict in Sudan to prioritize the protection of civilians and cease the violence.