Sudanese refugees from Darfur living in
refugee camps in Chad - here Djabal camp -
are concerned about their future security
after fighting last week between government
and rebel forces. © UNHCR/E.Cue

The following statement is attributable to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres:

"In the framework of our efforts to guarantee the protection of refugees from Sudan's Darfur region in Chad, I spoke with Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno on Sunday night and am pleased to report that he has reaffirmed that refugees will not be refouled [forcibly returned] and Chad will abide by international principles.

"President Deby expressed his understandable concern about the difficulties involved in providing security both to the refugees and to the humanitarian organisations that are helping them.

"UNHCR strongly appeals to the international community and its various organisations to do everything possible to urgently establish peace and security in Darfur, which is essential for the stability of the entire region." [Read more]