§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment his Department has made of the state of supplies in refugee camps in Chad; when this assessment was last revised; and if he will make a statement. [186233]
§ Hilary BennThe UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimate that there are currently 180,000 refugees in Chad. This figure comprises 140,000 in nine displaced persons camps in Chad and 40,000 near the border. UNHCR are co-ordinating the aid efforts of UN agencies and non-governmental organisations on the ground in Chad and supplies are being delivered by the World Food Programme (WFP) and NGOs. In the month of July, the WFP estimates that 1,889 tonnes of food was distributed to 134,000 refugees. The WFP report that they have one tonne of dehydrated milk and nine tonnes of High Energy Biscuits in reserve. The UN published an update on current funding for Chad on 27 July. This report states that, since September 2003, the international community has allocated £47 million to Chad, of which the UK has contributed £3 million (£2 million to UNHCR, £1 million to WFP). However, it also estimates that an additional £22 million is required.
With the onset of the rains food, shelter and sanitation are the primary concerns. A UK assessment mission last visited Chad in April 2004. A further DFID/FCO Sudan Unit mission to Chad is planned for next week (w/c 2 August). They will liaise with the UNHCR to assess the current needs of the displaced persons in Chad and to review the relief operations so far. This mission will also consider further allocations of UK humanitarian assistance.