Hit by an endemic crisis and the impacts of climate change, since April 2023 Chad has also been facing the consequences of the Sudanese conflict, especially in the Sila region. Indeed, in eastern Chad, the significant flow of refugees from Sudan-more than 500,000 in the past year-has put a strain on an already extremely vulnerable region, where access to essential services such as water, shelter, health, and education is extremely limited.

In response to this humanitarian emergency, COOPI launched a child protection program in Sila in July 2023, specifically in the refugee camps of Zaboud, Djabal, Deguessa, and Kerfi. Within the program, the new project "Immediate and Urgent Response to Children Affected by the Sudanese Crisis" started in March 2024, which will end in August 2024 and has as its main objective to create an environment that respects children's rights, and to promote prevention and community response to emergencies.

Project activities include the creation of "child-friendly spaces" where, with the emotional support of psychologists and facilitators, they can regain a sense of normality despite the difficulties caused by the crisis. In addition, the project supports 60 host families in promoting children's rights and appropriate care. The intervention then provides training for community leaders who can support recreational and awareness-raising activities on child protection, combating sexual violence and peaceful coexistence, thus ensuring the sustainability and continuity of child protection actions. Finally, the project aims to provide technical and operational support to state actors in the Sila region working on child protection.