As of March 2014, the population of urban refugees and asylum seekers stood at around 1,000 persons, (originating mostly from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Central African Republic (CAR), and Sudan). This figure has seen a slight increase over the year given the current situation in CAR. Among this urban refugee population, our operations have counted over 550 Nigerians living with host families in Ngouboua. Following the recent events in Nigeria, some 800 Nigerians refugees have crossed the border and joined the first group.
UNHCR and partners provide urban refugees in Ndjamena with protection, education and health services. Thanks to our combined efforts, around 150 children were enrolled in primary and secondary schools for the 2013-2014 school year and more than 100 children were assisted with education costs.
UNHCR and CNARR registered asylum-seekers and refugees, undertook Refugee Status Determination (RSD), provided refugees and asylum-seekers documents and organized training sessions, to build the capacity of government officials and staff of partners. In addition, two workshops were organized with UNHCR staff and personnel of partners directly involved in the provision of services (such as health and education) to urban refugees and asylum-seekers. A map of the various actors providing services to vulnerable persons including refugees was produced and will be regularly updated to serve UNHCR and partners attending to refugees and asylum-seekers’ needs.
With limited voluntary return prospects and local integration presently not favoured by the Government of Chad, resettlement is the preferred durable solution for refugees living in urban areas and host communities. Nigerian refugees in Ngouboua have been assisted with core relief items as well as with tools and seeds for agriculture, however high unemployment poses a serious challenge in urban areas.
UNHCR continues to assist spontaneous returns on a case by case basis. An estimated five departures are planned for 2014, and 20 departures for 2015.
Poverty levels and limited livelihood prospects exposes women, girls and children to exploitation and sexual violence. Central African Refugees who arrived in 2013 and 2014 are traumatized, having survived violence and in some cases torture. However, psychological treatment and follow-up for refugees exhibiting post-traumatic stress syndrome is inadequate in Chad as is medical treatment. In 2013, UNHCR submitted 11 cases for 53 refugees to the U.S. and Canada of which three cases for eight refugees were submitted under the Women and Girls at Risk category. Eight cases for 32 refugees departed for resettlement to the U.S. and Canada.