UN Field Support chief visits Darfur

EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, November 30, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- United Nations Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Field Support, Susana Malcorra, today visited UNAMID's headquarters in El Fasher, North Darfur, to meet with the Mission leadership and assess the situation on the ground ahead of a review of uniformed personnel due to take place in the coming weeks.

Addressing UNAMID staff, USG Malcorra said that as the situation in Darfur shifts towards peace and development, there will be a need for a readjustment in the way the Mission's personnel deliver their mandate, making sure they are closer to where they are needed most.

“As Darfuris decide their future, either as IDPs or as refugees coming from across the border, we need to deliver on the enabling capabilities to help the people resettle,” she said. “We need to be where we are required.”

USG Malcorra also gave assurances of the Mission's support when she met the Deputy Wali (governor) of North Darfur, Idriss Abdallah Hassan. She said the signing of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) between the Government of the Sudan and one of its armed opponents had provided a window for peace and development in Darfur.

“We will be here to support, but the evolution is in your hands,” USG Malcorra said. “We are fully involved and ready to work together.”

USG Malcorra expressed her concern for any possible impunity for those who attacked UNAMID peacekeepers and urged the Government to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The UN Department of Field Support provides support to peacekeeping and political field missions in the areas of finance, logistics, information and communication technology, human resources and general administration, to help the missions to promote peace and security.