28 July 2010 - A UNAMID-backed library containing over 500 legal references was today inaugurated at the State Prosecutor’s Office in El Fasher, North Darfur. Attending the ceremony were state representatives and members of the humanitarian community.

“It is our pleasure to open this library, the fruit of the continued collaboration with our brothers in UNAMID,” said State Chief Prosecutor Mahdi Bosch. “It will provide an invaluable service and enhance the capacity of members of the legal profession.”

The books were donated by the Mission’s Human Rights component and will be made available to legal professionals, students, aid workers as well as the general public. The library will continue to be updated with contributions from UNAMID and the State Ministry of Justice.

“This library is just one stage in UNAMID’s efforts to help improve,” said Koffi Wogomebou, Head of the Mission’s regional Human Rights office, which also provides training for state judges, prosecutors and police as part of its mandate. “One day, the international community will go, but this library will stay.”

Today also marks the launch of the North Darfur Human Rights Sub-forum, which brings together representatives from the state government and the humanitarian community. It was formed in response to recommendations made by the African Union Panel on Darfur. The sub-forum aims at improving communication between the State and the humanitarian community on issues of human rights and the rule of law