On 11 August 2015, UNAMID culminated a social week at Shalla Federal Prison, in El Fasher, North Darfur, under the theme “Together Toward Safe, Secure, Healthy and Peaceful Community through Social Reform”. The event, which included football matches and cultural activities, such as musical and drama performances, was organized through collaboration between UNAMID’s Rule of Law Section and the Shallah Prison administration.

Brigadier General Ahmad Mukarram, who represented UNAMID at the closing ceremony, described the event as a step toward the inmates’ rehabilitation and reintegration. “They need to be integrated in their society, and should be identified as useful citizens after being integrated into their communities,” said Mukarram.

On behalf of the Wali of North Darfur State, the Acting Minister of Social Affairs, Mrs. Suad Alzain, expressed appreciation for UNAMID support to the cultural and sport activities in the state and commended the partnership between the Mission and the government institutions. “The partnership between UNAMID and the government institutions will continue to overcome all challenges in the state,” Mrs. Suad said. She also encouraged the inmates to participate in all activities conducted in the prison.

The Director of Prisons and Reform of North Darfur state, Brigadier General Ahmed Al Basheer, explained that the social week was organized in line with the fifth year plan signed between the prisons administration and UNAMID. He stated that the sport and social activities witnessed remarkable participation of inmates from different prisons in North Darfur state.

The winning teams of the football tournament for men and volleyball tournament for women received trophies and medals, among other prizes, from UNAMID’s Outreach Unit at the closing ceremonies.

UNAMID’s Rule of Law prisons Advisory Unit identified Shallah Juvenile Home as one of the sport centres and recommended establishing six football clubs in Shallah Federal Prison and the surrounding community, along with sport offices to organize awareness activities on drug abuse, HIVAIDS and other anti-social activities among the youth.

It is worth mentioning that nine juveniles are currently studying in basic school, five in secondary school and one in El Fasher technical school.