Members of the local community in Shangil Tobaya, North Darfur, listen to a speech delivered by the JSR, Mohamed Ibn Chambas. Photo by Rania Abdulrahman.

El Fasher, 20 June 2013 – Following a meeting of international Special Envoys to Darfur and Sudan, conducted at the headquarters of the African Union - United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, UNAMID Joint Special Representative (JSR) and Joint Chief Mediator, noted that the participants were unanimous in expressing their continuing support for the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) and calling for its full implementation. In a press conference following the meeting, the JSR also noted that the meeting’s participants unanimously voiced concern over the deterioration of the security situation in Darfur and the reduction in funding available to aid agencies and humanitarian actors in the region.

The Special Envoys Retreat, held on 17 and 18 June in El Fasher, North Darfur, focused on current developments across the region, including the state of the peace process as well as the security and humanitarian situation. As part of the program, the envoys, along with UNAMID representatives and the diplomatic corps taking part in the event, visited Shangil Tobaya in North Darfur, where they toured a new health care centre in the Shadad camp for internally displaced persons. The healthcare centre, constructed with funding from UNAMID’s quick-impact project programme, treats nearly 100 patients every day.

Also in Shangil Tobaya, JSR Chambas and the delegation witnessed a mediation and reconciliation workshop organized by the Mission’s Civil Affairs section. The workshop, one of many such meetings designed to address inter- and intra-tribal conflict, focused on different beneficial aspects of peaceful coexistence. “I am happy to see that you are coming together to discuss how to resolve your differences,” said Dr. Chambas in his address to the participants. “I encourage you to continue to pursue peaceful means to resolve conflict and to live together harmoniously.”

The JSR and other members of the delegation met with community representatives, including the commissioner of Dar al Salaam locality, traditional leaders and women’s and youth group representatives. They discussed the situation on the ground and community needs, most notably those relating to the provision of education, healthcare, water and sanitation facilities as well as vocational training.

Dr. Chambas briefed the community representatives on several issues, including UNAMID’s efforts to provide security and the Mission’s work to support the peace process. “The search for peace started some time ago, and many people are working tirelessly to help resolve community grievances,” he said “We need you all to play your role in bringing durable peace to all Darfuris.”

During the meeting, the JSR announced the launching of two quick-impact projects in Shangil Tobaya and Dar al Salaam localities.