On 5 April 2016, UNAMID Ordnance Disposal Office (ODO), Sector Central, in collaboration with the [Sudan] National Ordnance Disposal Office (NODO) commemorated the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action under the Theme: “Mine Action is Humanitarian Action”. The event, which took place in Zalingei, Central Darfur, was attended by State Ministers of Social Welfare, Youth and Sports, UNAMID Officials and representatives from different local organizations, GoS Police and Sudan Armed Forces (SAF).

During the event, UNAMID handed over 12 sewing machines and a 20 KVA generator to the Disabled People Organization. The project is part of ODO’s effort to provide socio-economic support to disabled people who run small-scale income generating projects in the area. The colourful event included a military musical band, drama performances, music concert and a friendship football match between UNAMID and AL-Hilal Football Club.

Speaking at the event, the Officer-in-Charge of UNAMID Sector Central Office, Ms. Yousra Elgorayeb stated that Unexploded Ordnance (UXOs) continue to pose a threat to the safety and security of Darfur communities. She further explained that 22 people have been injured and 15 killed as a result of UXO accidents in Central Darfur since 2005. “There are different types of unexploded devices in Darfur, some of which, unfortunately, look like children’s toys. These unexploded remnants of conflict not only pose a direct risk to civilians, but are also an indirect obstruction in the delivery of humanitarian aid, they prevent the return of refugees and internally displaced people, and prevent farmers from cultivating their land” Ms. Yousra said.  She added that UNAMID’s ODO personnel in Central Darfur have assessed more than 300 square kilometers of land, more than 2,000 kilometers of roadways, declaring them ordnance-free, destroyed 4500 UXOs and trained more than 100,000 people in how to recognize and mark UXOs.

In his remarks, National Ordnance Disposal Office (NODO) representative in Sector Central, Mr. Shamsedein Eltyeb, commended UNAMID for organizing the commemorative event and also extended his gratitude to the Mission’s ODO for its continued efforts in raising UXO injury or death risk awareness amongst vulnerable communities. He added that risk awareness creation is essential for any process of development, prosperity and stability to take effect.

Addressing guests at the same event, the SAF representative, Colonel Hamza Mohammed Ali, emphasised the importance of awareness creation and undertook to work jointly with UNAMID to conduct risk awareness activities in many parts of central Darfur. 

UNAMID’s ODO personnel continue to work closely with other UNAMID components, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), international and local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and Government institutions to help raise awareness in the reduction of risk of injury from unexploded ordnance in the Mission’s Area of Responsibility.

UNAMID organized similar events to mark the Day in El Daein, East Darfur; El Geneina, West Darfur; Nyala, South Darfur; and Zalinei, Central Darfur.