UN humanitarian chief calls for the protection of civilians in Chad

(Geneva / New York, 22 July 2007): "Eastern Chad is a powder keg that can explode at any moment," warned John Holmes, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. "We need a force in place as soon as possible to provide increased security for civilians and for the aid workers helping them, and, second, an enabling environment to foster local and national reconciliation," Mr. Holmes added. A three thousand strong international military force may soon be headed by the European Union. Should the Council of Ministers agree, a joint UN-EU force could deploy to the region.

The security situation in eastern Chad remains very fragile, with continued reports of violence against civilians, car-jackings, and attacks on aid workers. However, despite insecurity and the advent of the rainy season, the humanitarian operation in eastern Chad continues to scale up. The UN has increased the number of staff on the ground, and has also appointed a Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for the region. In addition, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have responded to UN appeals for greater engagement there. Among others, Save the Children, Islamic Relief, and Concern Worldwide have answered that call and will soon start work, while agencies such as Action contre la Faim (ACF), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Premier Urgence, and CARE are expanding operations.

This effort aims to save lives and reduce suffering among 236,000 refugees from Sudan in 12 camps and host communities, 44,000 refugees from the Central African Republic (CAR) and more than 170,000 Chadian internally displaced persons (IDPs), the number of whom has quadrupled since May 2006, mostly as a result of violent attacks on villages and tribal violence fuelled by the proliferation of small arms in the region. More than 100 villages have simply disappeared from the map.

Against the background of some NGO concerns about increased child malnutrition, large scale pre-positioning efforts - including the recently completed 90-day plan to target IDPs with more assistance - should cover the majority of the food needs through the June to September rainy season, although violence and inadequate potable water, sanitation, and healthcare will likely put these vulnerable populations at serious risk. Already, waterborne diseases are increasing among the displaced.

"Just as in Darfur, aid workers are the targets of violence and intimidation. Armed men stick guns to their heads in order to steal their vehicles, radios and anything else of value, and leave them stranded in the middle of nowhere. Meanwhile the innocent struggle to survive in an environment which is hostile from all points of view," Mr. Holmes said. "I hope that now the EU will reach agreement on the force, and that the Chadian authorities will also do more to protect their own citizens from continued violence."

For further information, please call: Stephanie Bunker, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 917 892 1679; Kristen Knutson, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 9262; Elisabeth Byrs, OCHA-Geneva, +41 22 917 2653, mobile, +41 79 473 4570. OCHA press releases are available at http://ochaonline.un.org or www.reliefweb.int.