The UN refugee agency, the UNHCR, has started to register to the many thousands of Sudanese refugees that have crossed the border into eastern Chad. The refugees are fleeing the Darfur region in western Sudan, which has been the scene of intensified fighting. Recent reports say villages have been bombed and cattle have been stolen.
Jennifer Clark is a spokesperson for the UNHCR. From Geneva, she gave English to Africa Joe De Capua an update on the registration process. She says the refugees are being registered to determine the type of aid most needed. At this time, that commodity is water.
Convoys carrying several hundred refugees leave every other day from the border areas for Farchana, a camp set-up about 55 kilometers from the border. However, some refugees have decided to make the trip by foot, which can take about three days. They’re bringing their cattle with them when possible.
It’s believed more than 100,000 Sudanese have crossed the border into eastern Chad. It’s not known how many people may be displaced in Darfur.
Click above links to to listen to interview with UNHCR official.