El Fasher, 24 April 2013 – The African Union - United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and its humanitarian partners delivered nearly 80,000 kilograms of critical humanitarian aid to thousands of displaced civilians in Labado and Muhajeria, East Darfur.

The first phase of the operation, conducted on 23 April, consisted primarily of delivering food rations, bottled water and medical supplies. UNAMID delivered the humanitarian aid, provided by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO), by road under the protection of UNAMID peacekeepers. The second phase of the operation is in the planning stages.

The current humanitarian situation in the area emerged earlier this month as a result of clashes between the Sudan Liberation Army - Mini Minawi and the Government of Sudan. At present, an estimated 20,000 displaced people have gathered around the Mission’s team sites in Labado and Muhajeria.

“Access remains a priority and we are pleased that this aid has made it to the people,” said UNAMID Joint Special Representative Mohamed Ibn Chambas. “UNAMID and its UN Country Team partners will continue to ensure we reach those most in need.”

Concerns over an increase in the number of security incidents in Darfur and access by the Mission to those areas most affected by conflict were reiterated on 16 April, once again, at a meeting of the Tripartite Coordination Mechanism on UNAMID.