As part of its continued focus on the conflict in Darfur, and as a follow-up to its mission in March 2005, Refugees International will undertake a mission to Chad to evaluate the protection and assistance needs of refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities in eastern Chad, as well as the impact of the deteriorating security situation. Advocates Sally Chin and Kristele Younes will be visiting Chad from March 4-24, 2006.

As the security situation in Darfur remains unsettled, with ongoing violence and attacks on communities and humanitarian workers, the international community and Chadian authorities are faced with the challenge of assisting over 200,000 refugees while preparing for contingency plans for potential future influxes. The security situation in Chad has also become volatile, limiting humanitarian agencies’ access to the populations in need and forcing them to evacuate staff. Tensions between Chad and Sudan have resulted in incursions and attacks by Sudanese and Sudan-backed Chadian militias into Chadian territory. Over 10,000 Chadians have had to leave their villages and seek refuge amongst host communities that are often ill-equipped to handle an increase in population.

Moreover, recent attacks in the northern Central African Republic, allegedly committed by opponents to the ruling president backed by Chadian mercenaries, have forced thousands of citizens of the CAR to flee their homes and head towards the Chadian border, which may increase significantly the number of CAR refugees already present in Chad.

Finally, the rising tensions between President Deby and his opponents add to the climate of political instability and raise fears amongst the humanitarian community that a violent change in regime might create more displacement in the region. UNHCR is already engaged in talks with Cameroon over the possibility of a Chadian refugee influx in this neighboring country.

The RI team will travel to refugee camps in the east and south of Chad as well as to communities hosting the displaced and meet with refugees, implementing partners, local government officials, UN officials and donors. The team will then travel to Geneva, Washington, DC and New York to present their findings and recommendations to relevant policy makers.