Working environment

The context

The precariousness of the socio-economic situation in Chad has been aggravated in recent years by hostilities with neighbouring Sudan. However, after years of conflict between the two countries, a normalization agreement was reached in January 2010. This foresaw the demobilization of both Sudanese and Chadian rebel groups. However, it remains to be seen whether the agreement -- coupled with peace accords being negotiated between the Sudanese Government and the rebel movements in Darfur -- will make possible the voluntary repatriation of Sudanese refugees from Chad. These refugees are currently estimated at 285,500, and are mainly situated in camps along the eastern border of the country.

The political situation in neighbouring Central African Republic (CAR) also remains volatile, and despite an ongoing political reconciliation process, voluntary repatriation to the country in 2011 is not considered likely. Meanwhile, these refugees are estimated at 96,390, living mainly along Chad's southern border.

UNHCR is also involved in joint UN and NGO programmes aimed at providing protection and assistance to some 160,000 internally displaced people (IDPs). Some IDP returns to their communities of origin have started in 2010 and will likely continue in 2011. Together with NGOs and other partners, UNHCR is developing a strategic approach to humanitarian action to improve the well being of the refugees and IDPs.

The needs

The presence of an ever-growing refugee population places considerable strain on the scarce and fragile resources in eastern Chad. Measures to alleviate this pressure are therefore indispensable, along with the pursuit of durable solutions, in the form of repatriation or resettlement, where feasible.

Security in and around the camps and safe access to the camps for the humanitarian community are expected to remain of concern in 2011, especially with the expected phasing out of the United Nations Mission in Chad and Central Africa Republic (MINURCAT) by the end of 2010. A proper security mechanism, such as the existing Détachement Intégré de Sécurité (DIS), a Chadian Government entity supported by the United Nations, is essential in order to help maintain the civilian and humanitarian character of the camps, to prevent child recruitment and encourage respect for the rule of law. This will also contribute to mitigating unlawful activities, notably sexual and gender-based violence. In eastern Chad, UNHCR's focus remains on life-saving activities including provision of food, water, health services and sanitation. Education has assumed a critical importance in protecting youth from forced recruitment, and early marriage for girls.

2011 UNHCR planning figures for Chad
TYPE OF POPULATION	ORIGIN	JAN 2011		DEC 2011
		TOTAL IN COUNTRY	OF WHOM ASSISTED BY UNHCR	TOTAL IN COUNTRY	OF WHOM ASSISTED BY UNHCR
Total		530,590	511,390	489,360	478,400
Refugees	Sudan	262,900	248,700	249,000	243,000
	Central African Rep.	73,500	68,500	76,100	71,100
	Various	410	410	410	450
Asylum-seekers	Various	80	80	50	50
Returnees (refugees)	Chad	1,500	1,500	5,000	5,000
IDPs	Chad	157,200	157,200	108,800	108,800
Returnees (IDPs)	Chad	35,000	35,000	50,000	50,000

Main objectives and targets

Fair protection processes

Standard of registration and profiling is improved or maintained.

• In urban settings, the percentage of people of concern individually registered is increased from 26 per cent to 100 per cent.

Refugee status determination (RSD) procedures are made fairer and more efficient.

• The average number of days between the first instance interview and the notification of the results does not exceed 30 days.

Security from violence and exploitation

The protection of children is strengthened.

• Support is provided to all children with specific needs.

Basic needs and services

Food security is improved.

• Only 5 per cent of Sudanese refugee households consume less than three meals per day (against the current 25 per cent); only 15 per cent of refugees from CAR consume less than three meals a day (against the current 50 per cent).

The risk of HIV and AIDS is reduced and the quality of response improved.

• All IDPs have access to anti-retroviral treatment.

The supply of water is increased and maintained.

• In eastern Chad, the provision of water is increased from 12 to 15 litres per person per day.

The quality of shelter and infrastructure is improved.

• In southern Chad, all refugees have adequate dwellings.

Services are provided to groups with specific needs.

• In urban settlements, the percentage of older people with specific needs who receive assistance increases from 75 per cent to 90 per cent, enabling them to live independently.

Durable solutions

The potential for resettlement is realized.

• Resettlement submissions increase from 31 per cent to 80 per cent of those in need of this solution.

Strategy and activities in 2011

UNHCR will promote the security and the protection of Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad, while seeking to increase their self-reliance. Resettlement will be promoted as a durable solution for cases meeting the criteria. The Office will also continue to endeavour to protect and to facilitate the economic self-sufficiency of Central African refugees, while keeping open the possibility of an eventual return home of some families. It will also continue to ensure that the protection needs of urban refugees are met, primarily through self-reliance assistance.

The Office will work to ensure the protection of internally displaced people, while actively promoting durable solutions for some of those originating from areas deemed to be safe. UNHCR will also continue to strengthen the capacity of the Chadian authorities to deal with asylum issues, and to assume a greater share of responsibility for refugee matters.

The quality of primary education will be strengthened through the construction of new classrooms in the refugee camps. Access to post-primary education will continue to be expanded.

UNHCR will provide minimum health packages, respond to medical emergencies and train medical staff in all camps. It will also implement programmes to combat all levels of malnutrition, and continue HIV and AIDS prevention activities.

Since access to potable water remains a major challenge, particularly in the camps in north-eastern Chad, priority will be given to the completion of boreholes as well as the installation of manual pumps designed to reduce dependence on electrical pumping equipment.

Given the pressure on already limited natural resources, UNHCR will help ensure access to domestic energy while progressively expanding the use of alternative energies. The provision of fuel will be coupled with innovative interventions, such as making available more solar cookers and improved stoves, aimed at reducing the consumption of firewood, and strengthening reforestation programmes.

Constraints

The security situation in eastern Chad and across the border in Darfur is expected to remain unpredictable and, at times, potentially dangerous. This could be aggravated by the anticipated withdrawal of MINURCAT, which may adversely affect UNHCR's operations should the successor arrangement to MINURCAT prove to be inadequate to respond to the security challenges. Under this scenario, UNHCR would face difficulties in maintaining the civilian and humanitarian character of camps and sites and in preventing forced recruitment and other unlawful activities.

Organization and implementation

Coordination

The reinforcement of the UN joint programming will continue in 2011, particularly with UNFPA, UNICEF and WFP. The Office will also coordinate its efforts with development agencies such as UNDP and the Agence Française de Coopération. Close relations will be developed with the water, environmental and educational ministries. Partnership agreements with NGOs will be strengthened.

Financial information

UNHCR's budget in Chad has risen steadily over the past four years, with a peak in 2009 due to the arrival of some 15,000 refugees from CAR. Following the introduction of the comprehensive needs assessment, the total requirements in Chad were estimated at USD 161.6 million for 2010 and USD 196.7 million for 2011, of which USD 171.8 million will address refugee needs and USD 24.8 million will address the protection and assistance needs of IDPs.

Source: UNHCR Global Appeal 2011 Update