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Federation
responds to refugee crisis in eastern Chad 11 December 2003 Continuing fighting in western Sudan has prompted concern that more people will flee into neighbouring Chad, to join the estimated 65,000 who have already crossed the border. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has launched an appeal for 2.3 million Swiss francs (US$ 1.8 million) to support the Red Cross of Chad (CRT), which is playing a key role in bringing them assistance. “The Red Cross of Chad has been doing an excellent job in the south of the country, bringing humanitarian assistance to tens of thousands of refugees from the Central African Republic. Now with this new caseload in the east, its resources are being stretched to the limit,” said Robbie Thomson, joint-leader of a Federation assessment mission to the country. “This appeal will enable the Red Cross to meet the needs of both caseloads.” The Sudanese refugees are scattered along a 500 km border, making access to them difficult. The local authorities and the UN refugee agency have therefore decided to move them into two settlements. The CRT, a well-established partner of the UN in Chad, has been asked to assist with the distribution of humanitarian aid, as well as to provide health support and education, just as it has done in the south. “A very large proportion of the displaced people are women and children. We shall be targeting our assistance at the most vulnerable families, especially those headed by women. An important part of this aid will be agricultural support in the form of seeds and tools, to allow them to supplement their food rations and improve their diet and health,” said Iré Kertouma, deputy secretary general of the CRT and the other co-leader of the assessment mission. As part of the proposed operation, 20 M6 six-wheel trucks, similar to those used in the Federation’s southern Africa operation, will be donated to the CRT, which will then distribute humanitarian aid supplied by the UN system and other agencies. The Federation assessment team noted a very low health and sanitation awareness among some of the displaced people. “The CRT has good experience in this area, and volunteers will have a key role in disseminating information regarding health and hygiene. Health activities will be stepped up to reduce the risk of outbreaks of cholera and meningitis, and to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS,” Kertouma said. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: Roy Probert, Press Officer - Tel: + 41 22 730 42 96 / + 41 79 217 33 86 Media Service duty phone - Tel: + 41 79 416 38 81 The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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