El Fasher, 16 November 2012 -- Security and health concerns were the focus yesterday of the first field visit to Central and West Darfur by African Union – United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) Acting Joint Special Representative (AJSR) Aichatou Mindaoudou.

In Zalingei, the capital of the State of Central Darfur, Ms. Mindaoudou held talks with the Acting Wali (Governor), Mr. Isa Mohammed Yusuf, and local officials, on the importance of cooperation between the Mission and State Government in the protection of civilians and in addressing the recent outbreak of Yellow Fever in the region. “We are committed to supporting local authorities and humanitarian organizations by providing the logistical support within the Mission’s capacity,” said the AJSR.

In El Geneina, West Darfur, the AJSR visited a workshop on human rights issues attended by more than 100 orphans. The two-day forum, organized by local non-governmental organization “Child Friends” and UNAMID, focused on sexual transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, and basic information on the right to equality.

“Supporting children is close to my heart. They are the future of their communities, they can only be a positive influence if they know their rights and respect the rights of others,” said Ms. Mindaoudou.

In the absence of the Wali and his deputy, the AJSR did not meet with local authorities in El Geneina.

In both states, the acting UNAMID head used the opportunity to meet with UNAMID staff to discuss the current security situation and the Mission’s protection of civilians strategy.

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