A quick return home is unlikely for 250,000 Sudanese refugees in camps in Eastern Chad for the last seven years despite progress in peace talks.

Negotiations between the Sudanese government and rebel groups are going on. A truce with the most powerful rebel group in Darfur was signed this week.

However, the process will take time before people can begin returning. The refugees will continue to depend on humanitarian aid until then.

Caritas will support 58,000 people in the camps of Farchana, Kounoungou and Mile in Eastern Chad for at least another year. The aid agency will also provide for 9,000 poor local farmers.

“The refugees don’t want to go back until the government ensures some conditions. Through their leaders, the refugees are asking for stable peace. They also want compensation for the houses, fields and livestock they lost due to air raids from the Sudanese government. It will take a very long time,” said Antoine Adoum Goulgue, Communications Officer for Caritas Chad.

The situation in Darfur, Eastern Chad and the north of the Central African Republic remains calm, but volatile. Since fighting decreased, many aid agencies have left. However, the victims of the Darfur conflict still need help.

“The refugees are very afraid to be abandoned. They wouldn’t know what to do without us. We need to take care of them,” said Mr. Goulgue.

The Caritas project budget exceeds one million euro.

Caritas will secure access to clean water. It will also improve hygiene thanks to better waste management and new sanitary structures. Agriculture and livestock farming will be strengthened.

“We encourage the refugees to provide for themselves,” said Antoine Adoum Goulgue.

“We give them land, seeds and tools so that they can start farming. They still need help though. This year, there was very little rain, so the harvest was highly insufficient.”

Caritas will help young people to cope with growing up in a refugee camp by promoting social and leisure activities. They will also bring together adults from different ethnic groups to promote peace.

For more information, please contact Patrick Nicholson - nicholson@caritas.va - 0039 3343590700