Social situation Economic and social participation severely restricted

    For a large proportion of Chad’s population, basic economic and social rights are not guaranteed. This particularly affects women, young people and the rural population. People with disabilities are largely excluded from participation in society.

    Health facility for malnourished children, Notre Dame des Apotres in N`Djamena, Chad

    Health facility for malnourished children, Notre Dame des Apotres in N`Djamena, Chad

    Chad has a highly fragmented social structure. There are around 200 ethnic groups, which speak a variety of languages. Informal networks and clan and family structures play a significant role in all regions of the country, not least because the state is largely invisible and has very limited governance capacity, particularly in rural areas. Relations between ethnic groups are characterised by a fragile peace.

    More than 40 per cent of Chad’s approximately 16.4 million people live below the national poverty line; around one third of the population is undernourished. Life expectancy is 53 years and the child mortality rate is one of the highest in the world. Barely half of the population has access to basic drinking water supply. Just 10 per cent has sanitation facilities and only 11 per cent has access to electricity.

    Education

    Chad’s population is growing at a rate of roughly 3 per cent a year. Almost half the population is under 15 years of age. There is a lack of education and employment prospects for young people.

    Significant gaps exist in the education system. Around one primary school-age child in five is not in school; while this affects 14 per cent of boys, the figure for girls is 31 per cent. Only around 45 per cent of children who are enrolled in school finish primary education. Illiteracy affects approximately three quarters of the adult population.

    Discrimination against women

    Chad is committed to gender equality, which is even enshrined in the current transitional constitution. However, women are still severely disadvantaged in all spheres of life. Violence against women and children is widespread but rarely sanctioned. Effective mechanisms to deal with complaints about human rights violations do not exist.

    As at: 18/04/2023