Darfuri Women's Health and Exposure to Sexual Violence in Chad Refugee Camps

From October 27-November 28, 2008 a team of four (three physicians and a human rights researcher) conducted interviews with Darfuri women living in refugee camps in Chad. In-depth semi-structured interviews with 88 women and psychological histories of a smaller sample, the authors paint a grim picture from the attacks on their villages to their daily lives in today's camps. The PHR team faced obstacles including a volatile security situation which greatly restricted movement, reluctance of NGOs to grant unfettered access to the population, extremely limited lodging on the border and a dearth of interpreters with strong English skills and relevant tribal languages.

Results (publication in process): Women reported marked deterioration in their physical and mental health since they left Darfur due to psychological stress and/or weakness from insufficient food. Ten percent of the women interviewed reported having been raped in Darfur, and another 10% gave indications of having been raped. Another 13% of women had been raped since they came to the camps. These numbers likely represent under-reporting. Most of rapes occurred outside the camps when the women collected firewood or grasses for their livestock. Thus, a total of 39% of the women interviewed had likely been raped in either Darfur or Chad. Clinicians conducting psychological evaluations noted high levels of untreated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and major depression among respondents. The majority of respondents said that they did not access the counseling services offered in the camps, and most rape victims said that they had not told anyone about the violation. Food insecurity was mentioned by nearly all respondents. Refugees said that the size of the rations was insufficient for their families. Many women reported being hungry most of the time, and being worried about not having any milk or meat to give to their children.

This research in an inhospitable environment has led to a deeper understanding and analysis enhancing advocacy for adequate protection, justice and appropriate assistance for Darfuri women refugees.