Geneva-Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed deep concern about the escalation of violence in Sudan, with the first groups of refugees fleeing violence arriving in Chad, seeking safety. “Over the past few days, an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 people have been forced to flee conflict in the Darfur region and seek safety in neighboring Chad, according to UNHCR teams present,” said a UNHCR statement posted on Twitter on Sunday. in the border areas.

The majority of those arriving in Chad are children and women, who are currently sleeping outdoors, while UNHCR is working closely with the Chadian government and partners to assess their needs and prepare a joint response.

Initial and most urgent needs include provision of water, food, shelter, health care, child protection services and reduction of gender-based violence. Given the violence experienced by people who have crossed the border, psychosocial support is also a priority.

UNHCR is coordinating with the Chadian authorities to support the process of registering the new arrivals over the coming days, and the organization and its partners have taken it upon themselves to provide protection services and border control measures at the main crossing points.

The eastern regions of Chad host more than 400,000 Sudanese refugees, and hosting the new arrivals places additional pressures on the country's already stretched public services and resources.

“Unfortunately, we have begun to receive reports of refugees caught in the midst of the ongoing fighting in Sudan,” said Raouf Mazo, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, in Sudan. “The fighting must stop urgently to prevent further loss of life. We reiterate that We call on all parties to commit themselves to protecting civilians - including refugees and internally displaced persons - and ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers so that they can deliver the necessary relief assistance."

UNHCR remains ready to provide the needed response and support in Sudan and the region.