10 June 2010 - UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR) Mohamed Yonis today met with the visiting European Union (EU) Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, Kristalina Georgieva in Nyala, South Darfur.

The safety of civilians, and their access to humanitarian aid, was at the forefront of the discussion. DJSR Yonis briefed the Commissioner on the recent developments in the region’s security. The two also exchanged ideas on increasing collaboration between the EU and UNAMID and the Mission’s evolving priorities from troop deployment to the protection of civilians and the promotion of early recovery and development.

The EU has provided significant support to humanitarian operations in Darfur since 1994. On 7 June, Commissioner Georgieva pledged €46 million in food aid to the Sudan. In Darfur, where last year’s too brief rainy season has caused a food shortage, the aid is expected to reach more than four million people.

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