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Darfur on the ground

UNHCR is one of the few international agencies still working in Darfur. Learn more about our work on the ground.



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Angelina Jolie braved a violent sandstorm to visit refugees in eastern Chad.

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UNHCR Public Health Officer speaks about the risks of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Photo Gallery Chad Refugee Camps

Since 2003, the people of Darfur, a province of Sudan, have been subject to repeated attacks by militia groups. Hundreds of villages have been burned to the ground, more than 300,000 people have been killed and thousands of women and girls have been raped.

Of the 4.7 million people displaced by the violence, 250,000 are sheltering in twelve large refugee camps in eastern Chad. Another 2.7 million remain in Darfur itself, in sprawling camps for the internally displaced (IDPs).
These photos are taken from the twelve camps in Chad.

© Zalmai

Women and children have to stand in line twice a day to collect water. Due to its scarcity, Sudanese refugees have access to only 6-15 litres per person, per day. © ZalamiSudanese refugees in Iridimi Camp use water to build their shelter. The Chadians have shared their scarce water resources with tens of thousands of refugees since 2004. To avoid tensions and as thanks for this generosity, UNHCR plans to construct more boreholes and wells for the local population. © ZalamiFour young refugee boys find a place to play amidst the arid desert that surrounds Frachana Refugee Camp. © ZalamiFarming activities in Chad are limited. Refugees in Gaga Camp, however, have fewer water problems and therefore manage to plant fruits, vegetables, and cereals, which are sold at the local market. © ZalamiIn remote, poverty stricken areas where refugee camps tend to be situated, it is not uncommon for the refugees to live in better conditions than the host population. UNHCR builds good will with local communities by including them in water and livelihood programmes. © ZalamiMost Sudanese refugee women are single heads of households, and, as a result, overburdened with responsibilities. © ZalamiA Sudanese woman separates chaff in Gaga Camp. © ZalamiSudanese women build a shelter in Touloum Camp, eastern Chad. © ZalamiRefugees build a shelter in Dosseye Camp. © ZalamiMany women and girls have been raped and terrorised both inside and outside camps. UNHCR has established counselling groups as well as medical and psychological treatment for victims. © ZalamiEarly marriage, early pregnancies and forced labour for girls are traditions deeply ingrained in the Darfur culture. UNHCR advocates for young Sudanese women to attend school and participate in empowering activities such as sports. © ZalamiRefugee boys play football. Many Sudanese refugee children are traumatized by the violence they suffered or witnessed in Darfur. Sport and other recreational activities are vitally important to refugee children, providing an opportunity to have fun, forge friendships, and foster self confidence.A young refugee boy on his way to primary school with is class mates in Amboko camp. © ZalamiRefugees are sensitized to look after vulnerable individuals in their community and ensure they receive their fair share of food, water and firewood. © ZalamiMany refugees suffered horrific injuries during the violent conflict that forced them to flee their homes. With the support of UNHCR, this woman received a modified wheel chair that enables her to overcome her immobility. © ZalamiThe biggest wish for Sudanese refugees- especially for the elders- is to see peace in Darfur and to return home to their villages. © Zalami