On 11 December 2011, the Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR-P) of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), Ms. Aichatou Mindaoudou Souleymane, and the UN Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinatorad interim (RC/HC a.i.), Mr. Peter de Clercq, co-chaired in El Fasher a joint meeting between UNAMID and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) for Sudan.

The meeting aimed at reviewing UNAMID and the UNCT’s common engagement in Darfur. The participants explored ways to further consolidate coordination and strategic planning on issues of mutual concern, including in humanitarian, recovery, and development activities,as well as human rights, protection of civilians, durable solutions for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and returnees, support to pastoralist communities,and sustainable use of water and environmental resources.  The meeting also aimed at reflecting on possible opportunities to advance cohesion and complementarity of UNAMID and UNCT efforts within their respective mandates.

Participants welcomed the signing of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) by the Government of Sudan and the Liberation and Justice Movement, and the efforts by UNAMID to supportthe proper implementation of the DDPD as well as advance the peace process. They also took note of ongoing efforts byUNAMIDto protect civilians,stressingthe significant improvement in the security situation in Darfur.

The participants also took note of the humanitarian and recovery efforts of the UNCT, particularly those aimed at improving the welfare and wellbeing of IDPs,refugees and affected local populationsdespite recurring access restrictions and the limited number of UNCT personnel and implementing partners on the ground.

The participants underlined the importance of strengthening and rationalizing the existing coordination mechanisms for humanitarian, early recovery, and development planning and delivery. In this regard, representatives of UNAMID and the UNCT agreed to regularize joint meetings, to be convened bi-monthly in El Fasher and Khartoum. In addition, both bodies will participate in strategic senior decision making, with the UNCT invited to participate in planning and decision-making fora at UNAMID HQand UNAMID continuing to attend and contribute to key meetings in Khartoum.

Highlighting the importance of UNAMID/UNCT joint efforts on the ground, the participants agreed onthe division of labor on recovery aspects in Darfur. The UNCT will provide suggestions on how UNAMID could facilitatethe UNCT in its recovery efforts and contribute to the formulation and implementation of a strategy on recovery and development in Darfur.

Recognizing the importanceof recovery efforts in Darfur, participants decided to prioritize the following four areas forUNAMID/UNCT joint efforts: i) reintegration support for voluntary returnees, ii) support to pastoralist communities, iii) urbanization for IDPs who wish to stay in urban areas, and iv) capacity building and training programs.

The participants welcomed the initiative of convening this fourth joint UNAMID-UNCT meeting and agreed that there should be a bi-monthly follow-up.