EL FASHER, 21 October 2011--On this day, 25 years ago, the Organisation of the African Unity (OAU) achieved an important milestone by adopting the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. This was an historic moment in the advancement of the human rights agenda in Africa.

Today, 21 October 2011, is an additional occasion to recall the distinct character of the African Charter on Human and
Peoples’ Rights and to encourage all concerned to embrace its spirit and letter. For the African people, the Charter is
a unique instrument, combining both universal principles of human rights and African norms of communal values.

Since its establishment in 2007, the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) has continuously endeavored to ensure the protection of civilians through respect for, and promotion of, their rights and fundamental freedoms. As we celebrate this important achievement, on behalf of UNAMID, I would like to take this opportunity to extend the Mission’s continued commitment to advancing human rights in Darfur and to strengthen its cooperation with the Government of Sudan and the people of Darfur to implement its human rights mandate.

For more on UNAMID and human rights, see www.unamid.unmissions.org