21 October 2009 -- On 20 October, UN Under-Secretary General (USG) for Field Support, Ms. Susana Malcorra visited Sector West HQ at El-Geneina, West Darfur, accompanied by DJSR for Operations and Management, Mr. Mohamed Yonis, where she challenged UNAMID Forces stating that “this is a moment of truth” and that they had to stand to defend the Mission’s staff and civilians in Darfur according to the mandate.

Addressing staff at the Sector HQ, USG Malcorra said she was visiting here basically for a single purpose: to demonstrate the UN top leadership’s solidarity with the mission and its staff and that it was “very close” to them during these difficult times, hoping for the release of the two colleagues held hostage.

She said the months ahead were very important to Darfur and Sudan and that the UN had a significant role in opening up space for humanitarian activities and ensuring protection for civilians.

Ms. Malcorra expressed her satisfaction to see that UNAMID has firmly focused on nothing else but working tirelessly with the objective of attaining sustainable peace and security for Darfurians.

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