United Nations Radio

More than 4,500 refugees from the Central African Republic have recently arrived in south-eastern Chad fleeing attacks from rebel groups.

fleeing refugees from Central African Republic

They also report concern for further fighting between government forces and rebels in the northern part of the country. Spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Ron Redmond, says a joint UN humanitarian mission supported by the UN peacekeeping force visited the Chadian village this week:

"Had to go by helicopter. It took about three hours to get down there.  This is a very remote and difficult area. It's going to be difficult getting assistance to these people but we shall be doing so in the coming weeks."

Redmond says most of the refugees are women and children.
They say the rebel group may be still controlling the area, making it unsafe for them to return.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.
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