UNAMID Press Release No/15/2008
24 February 2008

Statement by UNAMID Joint Special Representative, Rodolphe Adada and UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Ameerah Haq, on the need to protect Civilians in Jebel Muun, Darfur

El Fasher,  --- UNAMID has received reports this morning of aerial bombings in the Jebel Muun area of Western Darfur. We are gravely concerned for the safety of thousands of civilians who are in this area.

As of this morning, we received an assurance from the Government that civilians will be allowed out of the area and to safety. We are seeking the same assurances from the rebel Movements in the area.

It is imperative that civilians are kept out of harm’s way, and for this to happen, any fighting must stop immediately. The risks at this stage to civilians are unacceptably high.

The solution to Darfur’s problems can never be a military one. We are seeking humanitarian access to Jebel Muun and nearby areas.

The eyes of the world are now on Darfur and the concerns of all of us have to be with the innocent children, women and men who are caught-up in the fighting.

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For more information contact:

Adrian Edwards, UNAMID (+249) 912 538 320; edwards13@un.org

Ali Hamati, UNAMID (+249) 912 178 287; hamati@un.org

Orla Clinton, OCHA (+249) 912 174 454 ; clinton@un.org

Website: http://unamid.unmissions.org