The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Sudan, which has prompted the first wave of refugees to flee the conflict and seek refuge in neighbouring Chad.

According to UNHCR officials stationed at the border, an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 people have fled Sudan's Darfur region in recent days. The vast majority of those who have arrived in Chad are women and children, who are currently without shelter and exposed to the elements.

UNHCR is working closely with the government of Chad and other partners to assess the needs of the new arrivals and provide essential services, including water, food, shelter, health care, child protection, and prevention of gender-based violence. Given the violence and trauma experienced by those crossing the border, psychosocial support is also a priority.

UNHCR is coordinating with Chad authorities to ensure the registration of new arrivals and monitoring key entry points. However, Chad's existing infrastructure is already stretched thin, as it currently hosts over 400,000 refugees from Sudan. The new influx of refugees is placing additional strain on the country's resources.

“Tragically we have already received reports of refugees caught in the ongoing fighting in Sudan,” said Raouf Mazou, UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner for Operations. “It is urgent that the conflict stops to prevent the loss of more lives. We reiterate our call for all parties to protect civilians, including refugees and displaced people, and to respect the safety of humanitarian staff so that critical aid can be delivered.”

UNHCR stands ready to provide additional support and assistance to those fleeing the conflict in Sudan and to those countries who are generously hosting refugees from Sudan.