22 February 2010 - In his first visit with Darfur’s internally displaced persons (IDP) community since assuming his position as UNAMID’s Joint Special Representative (JSR) in January, Ibrahim Gambari today met IDPs in Zam Zam camp, located 17 kilometers south of El Fasher, North Darfur.

The JSR met with the camp’s Sheikhs and Umdas (traditional community leaders), women’s groups and youth leaders, reaffirming his commitment and support to help bringing peace to Darfur and enhancing the security of civilians and IDPs. He informed the camp’s representatives that he came to listen to their concerns firsthand.

On behalf of the community, the head Umda, commended UNAMID’s efforts in providing security to the people and highlighted the challenges facing the camp including a lack of transportation, education and healthcare.

A leader for the camp’s women spoke of the need to repair their centers and for the participation of women in the peace process. A representative for the camp’s youth thanked UNAMID’s police community centers for providing activities to 120 young people.

JSR Gambari thanked the representatives of the IDPs for their remarks. “I will work for you, to address all your concerns as quickly as possible,” he added.

At the end of his visit, Mr. Gambari presented 3,000 text books to the head Umda to be distributed to schools in the Zam Zam area.

The JSR informed that he would travel to Doha, Qatar to witness the signing of the agreement on cessation of hostilities between the Sudanese Government and the Justice and Equality Movement. Mr. Gambari stated that he would ensure that the concerns of IDPs were raised.