In February 2004, the International Rescue Committee deployed an emergency response team to Chad to deliver immediate aid for tens of thousands of Sudanese refugees fleeing conflict in Darfur. Today, Darfur remains one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises and ongoing violence continues to drive people to Chad. Approximately 250,000 Sudanese refugees now reside in eastern Chad, spread out along 600 kilometers of the border.

How We Help

The IRC provides essential services to 57,000 Darfuri refugees in two camps, as well as the local communities who support them. Ouré Cassoni camp, created by the IRC in the harsh desert landscape of northeastern Chad in July 2004, delivers primary healthcare, education, environmental health services and child protection interventions to 26,000 Sudanese refugees. We’ve also provided services to the impoverished local population of Bahai, including learning materials for schools and medical support for the hospital. Since August 2008, the IRC has also been supporting 31,000 Darfuri refugees with primary healthcare and reproductive health services in Bredjing camp, near Hadjer Hadid town in eastern Chad.

Joanne Offer is in eastern Chad, near the Sudanese border (October 2008). Read Joanne's blog >