Chad has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding refugees from sexual exploitation and abuse, following high-level discussions between the Chadian government and the United Nations.
Abderaman Koulamallah, Chad’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with a UN delegation on Monday, led by Christian Saunders, Special Coordinator for Improving the United Nations’ Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
The talks focused on strategies to enhance protections for the country’s refugee population, which exceeds 600,000 people, many of whom have fled conflicts in neighboring nations such as Sudan, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, and Nigeria.
The discussions underscored the need for preventive measures and stronger reporting mechanisms to address violations.
Christian Saunders highlighted UN initiatives aimed at educating refugee communities about their rights and providing resources to report incidents of exploitation and abuse.
“Our actions prioritize raising awareness within vulnerable populations and ensuring survivors have access to support systems,” Saunders explained, emphasizing the global organization’s ongoing efforts to tackle this issue.
Minister Koulamallah reiterated Chad’s dedication to collaboration with international partners and local stakeholders.
“We remain steadfast in our mission to protect refugees and combat exploitation through concrete actions and robust cooperation,” he stated.
Chad plays a critical role in the Central African region as a host nation for displaced populations.
The country’s refugee camps, such as those in Ouaddai, Kanem, and Tibesti, provide essential services, including shelter, food, and medical care.
As a signatory to multiple international conventions on refugee protection, Chad actively works with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and other humanitarian organizations to address the challenges posed by displacement and ensure the safety and dignity of refugees.
This latest partnership highlights Chad’s leadership in addressing refugee crises while prioritizing the fight against exploitation and abuse within its borders.
