UNAMID urges immediate end to hostilities, respect for international human rights and humanitarian law

EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, November 12, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The fighting between Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and an armed group on 9 November near Shangil Tobaya, in North Darfur, is part of a larger pattern of conflict in the area in recent months. The escalating violence has become a matter of grave concern to the African Union - United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).

Following the fighting, UNAMID airlifted, upon request, injured combatants from its Rwanbatt team site to El Fasher for further treatment.

The provision of medical assistance to wounded combatants is a core requirement of international humanitarian law, which falls under UNAMID's mandate.

In the past, the Mission has provided such medical assistance to wounded combatants from both sides, with due respect to the principles of neutrality and impartiality.

The Acting Joint Special Representative, Ms. Aichatou Mindaoudou calls on the Government as well as armed movements to accept that further violence is a dead end that only harms the people of Darfur.

Ms. Mindaoudou urges all sides to cease hostilities immediately, respect international human rights and humanitarian law, and engage fully in the peaceful settlement of Darfur conflict.