El Fasher, 7 June 2010 – In recognition of the upcoming 10th anniversary of the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution (SCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, UNAMID today sponsored “Open Day” in El Fasher, North Darfur.

The event was the culmination of a series of four consultations held last month in Darfur’s three states as a means of facilitating dialogue on women’s issues, peace and security, between women peace groups and the UN.

Attending Open Day were more than 40 participants representing women’s groups, youth, internally displaced persons and nomads, as well members of the North Darfur State Government’s committee on UNSCR 1325 and women representatives and signatories to the Darfur Peace Agreement.

On behalf of Joint Special Representative (JSR) Ibrahim Gambari, Ms. Yegerawork Angagaw, Head of the Mission’s Gender Advisory Unit, took part in a two hour dialogue and exchange of views with the women. “In Darfur we endeavored to reach out to our sisters in government and those affiliated with armed movements, because they are important advocates within the parties to the conflict,” she said. “Together, we will bring the voice of these women to the highest level of the UN, its member states and partners who can support us.”

Among the topics of primary discussion were increasing the representation of women at the decision-making level, protecting women in conflict and ending impunity for war crimes against women, including sexual violence. These items are at the heart of the landmark resolution which ensures that the promotion of women’s empowerment and gender equality form a central part of efforts to implement peacekeeping mandates.

Open Day on 1325 is one of many being held in countries with UN peacekeeping and political missions throughout the period of 7 to 11 June. The forum is intended to channel women’s concerns directly to UN leadership. The recommendations from the participants will be directly communicated to the UN Security Council to inform the Council's deliberation on the resolution scheduled for October 2010.

The UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS), in partnership with UNDP, UNIFEM and UNAMID, will host a similar Open Day event on 10 June in Khartoum.

Communication and Public Information Division Media Contacts

Kemal Saïki, Director; saiki@un.org, tel.: +249 (0)92 244 3529 / mobile: +249 (0)92 241 0020

Noureddine Mezni, Spokesperson; mezni@un.org, tel.: +249 (0)92 271 4276 / mobile: +249 (0)92 253 8420

Chris Cycmanick, OiC Media Relations; cycmanick@un.org, mobile: +249 (0)91 253 8436