The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has issued an urgent appeal for increased international aid as thousands of Sudanese continue to flee the escalating violence in Darfur into neighboring Chad, which is already overwhelmed by the refugee influx.
UNHCR Deputy High Commissioner Kelly Clements made the call on Thursday after visiting refugees in Farchana, eastern Chad, many of whom had escaped the devastated city of El-Fasher.
Clements said the refugees’ accounts revealed “resurrected trauma” from relentless violence.
“These are people in desperate need,” she said.
“They need everything — safety, shelter, clean water, and a chance to rebuild their lives.”
While commending Chad for keeping its borders open and providing refuge for decades, Clements stressed that the country cannot cope alone.
“They need help,” she said.
“The international community must step up support, both for refugees in Chad and for civilians still trapped inside Darfur.”
The latest exodus follows the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) takeover of El-Fasher, triggering another wave of deadly attacks and displacement.
The assault marks a new phase in the war that erupted in April 2023 between the RSF and Sudan’s military.
According to UN figures, more than 40,000 people have been killed, with humanitarian groups warning the true toll is much higher.
Over 11 million people have been displaced — one of the world’s worst displacement and humanitarian crises in decades.
Clements warned that without swift and substantial international action, the suffering of Sudanese civilians will deepen and stability across the region will remain at risk.
