PRESS RELEASE

UNAMID Concerned About Recent SLA/ Minny Minnawi "Warning Statement"

El Fasher, 21 February 2011 –  TThe African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) notes with grave concern the recent "warning statement" made by Mr. Minny Minawi, leader of the Sudan Liberation Army/Minny Minnawi faction, that airports in Sudan in general, and Darfur in particular, have been designated by his movement as military targets and susceptible to attacks. Also noted was his warning to UNAMID and international organizations not to use any Sudanese airport lest they also be targeted.

UNAMID should like to reiterate that it is, and will remain, impartial in the Darfur conflict. It also reminds all parties of its mandate of protection of civilians and ensuring unfettered access for humanitarian assistance. The Mission should like to emphasize that, owing to the region’s geographic conditions and lack of infrastructure, most humanitarian relief such as food, water, shelter and medical supplies is transported by air. Moreover, aid workers and UNAMID peacekeepers rely heavily on air transport to reach, protect and supply those living in remote locations.

UNAMID calls on all belligerents to ensure that the safety and security of its personnel and materiel, as well as those of the UN Country team and humanitarian community are not affected in any way. Any threats or hostile acts against personnel or facilities engaging in transport for UNAMID, UN agencies and humanitarian organizations, could have a devastating impact on their operations and will compound the suffering of civilians, who are the most vulnerable victims of the conflict. Movements claiming to act on behalf or for the benefit of the population of Darfur should consider the negative consequences of their actions for innocent civilians.

Finally, any attack against UNAMID peacekeepers, given their role in Darfur, would be a war crime under international law.

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