FYI.
From "Real time evaluation of UNHCR's response to the emergency in Chad" by
UNHCR. The full report is reportedly available from the UNHCR web site.
"3. Inevitably, the overpopulation of the camps beyond their assessed
capacity aggravates the impact that such a large population concentration is
bound to have on a very fragile environment as regards water supply, grazing
land and firewood. While refugees could initially depend on an extremely
generous welcome from the host population, the first conflicts over
resources between refugees and locals around the camp sites have already
erupted and are likely to become increasingly virulent. This competition for
resources needs to be addressed at the earliest stage if outright conflict
is to be prevented and, to the extent possible, both refugee and host
communities must directly be associated with the design of the assistance
programmes."
It should be noted that UNHCR has developed an extensive resource package on
managing the environmental impacts associated with refugee displacements.
Second hand reports indicate that the very difficult operating conditions in
Chad are limiting the use of the resource. However, as the quote indicates,
the environment remains a key issue, particularly the longer the refugees
remain in Chad.
Regards,
Kelly
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