1 September 2008 -- UNAMID JSR expresses grave concern to government of Sudan over kalma incident

The Joint Special Representative (JSR) of the African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), Mr. Rodolphe Adada, officially expressed to the Government of Sudan UNAMID’s “grave concern” over the recent tragic incidents of 25 August 2008 at the Internally Displaced Persons camp of Kalma, South Darfur, notably concerning the excessive use of force which caused the death of innocent IDPs, including children and women, in addition to a considerable number of wounded.

Mr. Adada, who met in Khartoum today with the Foreign Ministry Undersecretary, Dr. Mutrif Siddiq, stressed the importance of finding a workable and lasting solution, with the involvement of UNAMID, to prevent the repeat of similar incidents, pointing out that UNAMID’s mandate includes the protection of civilians in Darfur.

For his part, Dr. Siddiq expressed the regrets of the Government of Sudan over the Kalma incidents, adding that an investigation is underway, which outcome will be shared with UNAMID. He also reaffirmed to the Joint Special Representative the commitment of the Government of Sudan to facilitate the work of the humanitarian agencies in Darfur.

**********