
Hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees in Chad are facing severe shortages of basic aid after a UN-led response plan received only 30% of the necessary funding in 2024.
The ongoing war in Sudan between the army and paramilitary forces has displaced millions, forcing many to flee to neighboring Chad.
According to the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), over 12 million people have been uprooted by the conflict, including more than 720,000 Sudanese refugees and 220,000 returning Chadians.
NRC Country Director Dermot Hegarty described the crisis as “the world’s largest humanitarian crisis,” urging for a stronger regional funding response. He emphasized that the needs of those displaced extend beyond Sudan’s borders.
The UN’s $630 million refugee response plan for Chad, developed in partnership with international NGOs, falls drastically short.
The NRC reported that food assistance is inadequate, while vital protection and education services remain severely underfunded.
The situation is dire, as nine out of ten refugees are women and children. Many have endured horrific violence, including rape, sexual slavery, and torture.
“Most refugees cross the border with nothing but the clothes on their backs and harrowing stories,” said Alix Camus, president of a forum of NGOs cooperating with the NRC.
Camus emphasized that trauma support, child protection, and mental health services must be prioritized. However, with limited funds, essential services such as education and protection have been neglected.
As the crisis deepens, humanitarian organizations stress the need for immediate funding to address the escalating needs of the refugees and prevent further suffering.