El Fasher, 14 August 2014 — The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) is concerned about the security raids, recently conducted by the Government of Sudan on internally displaced people (IDP) camps in Nyala and surrounding localities in South Darfur; due to their possible impact on the civilian population. The Mission has taken measures to mitigate the impact of such operations on the civilian population of these camps.

Following a security raid conducted on Al Salam IDP camp on 5 August when individuals were arrested for alleged possession of illegal drugs, weapons and ammunition, UNAMID monitored the trials of those arrested during the operation; most of whom have since been released. UNAMID has been engaging relevant state authorities on the conditions of those still being detained.

Other security raids have been conducted in Otash and Dereig camps and are part of a wider campaign by the South Darfur authorities to address the high level of criminality in the State, especially around Nyala.

The security raids have generated alarm and anxiety amongst IDPs in Kalma camp, who are anticipating a similar operation at their camp and have expressed their concerns to UNAMID.

In a recent statement to the media, the African Union-United Nations Joint Special Representative for Darfur, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, said that while the Sudanese law enforcement authorities have the right to pursue criminals and apprehend them, as is the case in any other sovereign state, the Government has to guarantee that these activities are carried out respecting human rights and observing international humanitarian law; especially in the vulnerable IDP communities.

Likewise, the JSR reminded the camp population that harbouring, aiding or abetting offenders who possess weapons contravenes international humanitarian law and that such weaponry should not be stored, handled or trafficked in IDP camps.

Consequently, UNAMID has engaged the local authorities in South Darfur, in accordance with its protection of civilians’ mandate, and demanded that if there were a need for such selective searches, these should be conducted in coordination with the camp leaders and the Mission.

The Mission has also met with IDP leaders, including women and youth, in Kalma to explain the measures taken by the Mission to reduce the impact of such raids on the civilian population, were they to take place and that the Mission continues to conduct 24/7 patrols at the camp and monitor the situation closely.