INFORMATION NOTE

New phase of Operation Spring Basket reaches more remote areas in North Darfur

El Fasher, 12 June 2011 – The African Union-UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), UN agencies and officials from different North Darfur state ministries recently led specialized assessment missions to El Hara and Tine, North Darfur, in the second phase of Operation Spring Basket, the Darfur-wide humanitarian initiative.
 
The operation visited El Hara, a village located in an area controlled by the movements where, in addition to providing much needed information for humanitarian projects and delivery of aid to the troubled region, the Mission’s presence in the area can act as a deterrent against the possible resurgence of recent tension.

Commenting on the effects of the humanitarian initiative in El Hara, Head of UNAMID’s Humanitarian, Protection Strategy Coordination Division, Mr. Oriano Micaletti, stated that “the mission noted the importance of Spring Basket to those who are suffering from the impact of the conflict, particularly the children who are among the most vulnerable -- the ones who have the lowest voice and the most to lose.”

In Tine, a permanent power supply plant was presented to the local hospital during a ceremony attended by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Health, the local community leaders and the Magdoum, the sultan of sultans. The hospital is the only facility that provides health care for residents in the area.  

“It is gratifying to witness the impact of this humanitarian initiative in hard to reach areas in Darfur,” said Richard Berman, Advisor to UNAMID Joint Special Representative.

Operation Spring Basket, which aims to enhance access for humanitarian actors to provide services to Darfur’s more remote and unstable areas, is expected to continue with a mission to Golombai, South Darfur, on Wednesday 15 June, and a road trip to Kwilla, Kutrum, Kurifal, Katti, Golo and Nertiti, in West Darfur, from Saturday 18 to Thursday 23 June. UNAMID, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, WHO, UN Refugee Agency and UN Children's Fund, along with representatives of the State Government, will participate in the leg of the initiative. 

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

Mayada Umbadda, Media Relations, umbadda@un.org, mobile: +249 (0)91 250 1966
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