3 March 2008 -- In an effort to strengthen cooperation and trust between the UN and the local police and population in Darfur, the UN Police working for UNAMID conducted the first confidence-building patrol in areas controlled by the Mini Minawi faction of the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) in North Darfur.

“The safety of the citizens of Darfur is a priority for UNAMID,” said UNAMID Police Commissioner Michael Fryer. “But curbing crime also involves the full cooperation of the entire community,” he added.

Speaking to the SLA commanders, elders and youth of Galab town, the UNPol Advisors explained that their main objective is to establish internationally accepted forms of policing with an emphasis on respect for human rights.

The SLA/M Military Commander Ahmed Labudagin said “I am delighted to see UNPol in my area – the first of its kind since the arrival of UNAMID.”

“We are prepared to work with you to improve security in the area and to facilitate humanitarian assistance to the 10,000 Internally Displaced Persons in the Galab camp.”

The confidence-building patrols which will take place throughout Darfur are meant to reinforce the already ongoing police activities.

There are currently over 1,600 police officers, including 252 female officers, from 32 different countries serving with UNAMID.

* * * * *