On 31 January 2015, UNAMID’s Police component launched a crime and safety awareness campaign in the Otash camp for displaced persons in Nyala, South Darfur. This is part of the Police component’s initiative to sensitize the displaced community on the dangers of criminal activities and substance abuse.

In his remarks on the occasion, Acting Police Commander, Mr. David Eklu, spoke about UNAMID’s role in promoting peace and supporting local authorities in combating crime in Darfur. He reiterated the Mission’s commitment to supporting the local police in ensuring safety in internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps. “Effective crime prevention depends on people’s cooperation and your presence here demonstrates the good relationship between IDPs and the police; we should strengthen this relationship and say no to crimes,” added Mr. Eklu.

The Sheikh and the Chairman of the camp’s Women’s Association advised the IDP community to refrain from engaging in activities that lead to crimes and reaffirmed their cooperation with the Mission and local police to address misconducts in the camp.

On his part, the Government of Sudan Police Commander, Otash camp, Lt. Mohammed Malik, advised the IDP community to refrain from any substance abuse and urged them to report any untoward incident to the authorities.