09 February 2010 - Today witnessed the third meeting of the Darfur Human Rights Forum in El Fasher, North Darfur, at which representatives from UNAMID, the Government of Sudan and members of the international and humanitarian community came together to take part in a constructive dialogue on human rights issues.

The forum served to update the participants on substantive developments in the human rights situation in the Darfur states, including recently-passed laws and government bodies to protect the rights of women and children in the troubled region.

In his address, the newly-appointed Independent Expert on Human Rights, Justice Mohamed Chande Othman stated that the government’s law reforms were “a step in the right direction” and that the Darfur Forum was “moving from debate to dialogue and from procedures to substantive issues.”

Also present was UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative Henry Anyidoho, who reiterated the Mission’s commitment to promoting positive developments in the area of human rights and capacity building. He also indicated that the cooperation between the Mission and the government was an indication of “our common goal to build a culture of human rights towards sustainable peace in Sudan.”

The forum was organized by UNAMID in collaboration with the government’s Advisory Council for Human Rights and the UN’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The initiative is part of UNAMID’s ongoing efforts to support the Sudanese government in the discharge of its responsibilities in the promotion and protection of human rights in Darfur.