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Press Release
15 September 2021
The Sudan First State of Environment and Outlook Report Team Concluded First Regional Workshop in North Kordofan
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Press Release
05 September 2021
Government of Sudan convenes first High-Level meeting of Sudan’s international partners and the National Mechanism for the Protection of Civilians
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Press Release
31 August 2021
UNHCR and IOM welcome government new action plan to combat human trafficking in Sudan
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Sudan
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Sudan:
Story
29 August 2021
Grandi calls for peace in Ethiopia, stresses ‘there is no military solution’
By Catherine Wachiaya in Um Rakuba camp, Sudan
Hailu Mehari crossed into Sudan last November with his wife and their two children, leaving behind raging conflict across Ethiopia’s Tigray region.
The 65-year-old father of four met UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, who visited eastern Sudan, where close to 48,000 Ethiopian refugees live in two camps, Um Rakuba and Tunaydbah.
Grandi met Hailu in Um Rakuba where he spoke with him and several refugees including young men and women, children, people living with disabilities and the elderly. They raised various issues, ranging from access to proper health care, shelter and food.
“We lost our home, our farm, everything. I am not showing all my emotions as it is still so painful,” said Hailu, who owned large swathes of farmland and left them unharvested after violence broke out.
“I am grateful for everything I have received in Sudan.”
Hailu added that he was glad to have made it out safely.
“It’s difficult here but I am very happy to be alive. I am grateful for everything I have received in Sudan,” he said.
Grandi noted that the situation is very challenging and added that UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency is working closely with the government of Sudan and other aid agencies to improve services.
“Conditions in the camp are fragile as in any humanitarian situation but they have improved. We’ve seen services such as education, food distributions and healthcare being offered to the refugees,” he said.
He commended the government and the people of Sudan for their continued hospitality towards refugees, despite hosting more than 1 million other refugees and grappling with a displacement crisis of over 2.5 million internally displaced Sudanese, amid growing economic challenges.
“It’s not that they don’t have problems in other parts of the country so it’s really something that the international community needs to appreciate more,” he said.
“There is no military solution to this problem.”
The High Commissioner was joined by the Norwegian Minister of International Development, Dag-Inge Ulstein.
“The host communities here are such a good example for the rest of the world. They are very warm and have welcomed refugees openly,” the Minister said.
He appreciated efforts by aid agencies in responding to refugees’ needs.
“The UN agencies and UNHCR are really doing a tremendous job setting up this site in such a short time while also building trust with the local communities,” he added.
Hailu and his wife Tsige are also struggling to cope with being separated from their older children who remained behind in Tigray.
“I miss my other children and I still get emotional,” said Tsige. “This week when I thought about them, I became very stressed and had stomach pains. I’m even struggling to talk about it now.”
Hailu added that they last communicated with his older brother and his children in June but haven’t heard from them since.
“I hope and pray for their safety,” he said, adding that although they lost everything, they appreciate making it to Sudan.
Grandi noted that many of the refugees he spoke to would like to return home but only if there is peace. He reiterated that “there is no military solution to this problem” and the only way to restore peace in Ethiopia is through diplomatic negotiation and political talks.
“That’s the only way to create conducive conditions for the thousands of people hosted in Sudan, to be able to go back voluntarily, in safety and dignity,’ he said.
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02 June 2021
Brick by brick, South Sudanese refugees rebuild, gaining stability and dignity
The sense of ownership and privacy that Nyafuoj Aban, 44, felt after she finished building her mud-brick hut is one that she cherishes deeply to this day.
A year ago, Aban and her ten children, aged between four and 27 years, moved into their more solid house, locally known as a ‘tukul’ in Al Jameya camp in Sudan’s White Nile State. Before, they were living with almost 20 relatives in two temporary shelters for two and a half years.
“This is my house, I own it. It protects me and my children and gives us privacy,” beams Aban as she spreads her arms wide to capture the expanse of her round grass-thatched hut.
The family fled their home in southern Malakal, South Sudan, when war broke out in December 2013, living in different villages that were relatively peaceful before finally arriving in Sudan in April 2014. Aban, who was then six months pregnant, did not receive her own individual shelter due to the high numbers of refugees arriving at the time and a shortage of land that did not allow for space to be allocated. Instead, all newly arriving refugees were being placed in communal shelters as UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Government of Sudan tried to find the necessary resources to accommodate them.
Tired of living in a communal shelter, Aban gathered her children and moved in with other relatives in an emergency shelter. Made of temporary materials like plastic sheets and papyrus mats, emergency shelters are made to minimum standards, intended to provide refugees with shelter for a short time.
“This is my house, I own it. It protects me and my children and gives us privacy.”
“I am grateful that my relatives took us in, but life was not easy. We were too many and since it was not our home, we did not have the freedom to live the way we wanted,” she explains.
Aban decided to register for a project to pilot durable shelters for South Sudanese refugees in Sudan. The project required refugees to participate in building their own shelters by making bricks, fetching water and working with builders contracted by UNHCR and partners.
“My friends tried to discourage me from joining, saying that I would not manage the tough work, but I had nothing to lose by trying,” recalls Aban.
Without her husband around to support her – he remained behind in South Sudan – Aban, with the help of her children, collected soil and water to make bricks. They laid them in the scorching sun, the hope of a new home their major driving force. In total, 769 families participated in building their own tukuls.
Aban did the finishing of the floor and plastered the walls herself – a hefty task, but one she had no qualms about.
“Back home in South Sudan, this is a woman’s job, so I did everything alone,” she says proudly.
Plastering the hut serves an important aesthetic purpose. The placement of a protective layer over the bricks also helps reduce exposure to rain and other elements and makes the bricks firmer, prolonging the hut’s durability. Aban and her family are assured of safety from the elements and from potentially losing their shelter due to a storm or fire outbreak.
As she waits to see what the future holds, the family is trying to go on with their lives. Aban currently has no job, but during the harvest season, she and her older children join hundreds of other refugees to work on local Sudanese farms, harvesting sorghum and sesame, to supplement what they receive from aid agencies.
Sudan currently hosts over 747,000 refugees from South Sudan, 36 per cent of them living in White Nile State.
By Sylvia Nabanoba in White Nile State, Sudan
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Story
30 May 2021
Thirteen years of sowing peace in Darfur
This year’s International Day of UN Peacekeepers comes five months after the United Nations Security Council – through UNSC Resolution 2559 – ended the mandate of the United Nations-African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) as of 31 December 2020. Full withdrawal is to be completed by 30 June 2021, followed by a liquidation phase.
For UN Volunteers, many of whom have served with UNAMID for years, this is an emotional period, particularly as they bid farewell to local communities in Darfur.
Many UN Volunteers hope that their work and peace dividends gained in this peacekeeping operation over the last thirteen years can be sustained, at least for the sake of the vulnerable people who have endured suffering for far too long.
Starting with the deployment of its first UN Volunteer in August 2007, UNV had deployed over 696 Volunteers to the mission by 2020, from over 70 nationalities. These UN Volunteers were deployed to both mission support and substantive functions.
The list is long: water and sanitation, transportation, technical cooperation, storage and warehousing, social services, purchasing and contracting, public information, production, machine maintenance and repair, laboratory operations, inventory and supply, building maintenance, administration, financial management, medical and nutrition, computer information systems, architecture, engineering and administration. Several were also deployed in human rights, political and civil affairs, gender and protection roles.
In partnership with UN agencies, funds and programmes, civil society organizations and other stakeholders, UNV also implemented important programmatic activities. These included the Youth Volunteers Rebuilding Darfur programme and the Youth Volunteerism for Peacebuilding Project, as well as critical quick impact projects. UN Volunteers, therefore, played a critical role in UNAMID’s delivery of its peacekeeping mandate.
The outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020 brought with it many significant challenges, including freezing of international travel, imposition of multiple lockdowns and increased workload (without the much-needed rest), thus resulting in increased levels of stress. Some UN Volunteers contracted the virus itself. However, this did not deter the determined UN Volunteers from carrying on with their assignments.
I am one proud Programme Manager, because of the achievements of these selfless UN Volunteers. Every time I participate in Mission meetings or events and hear the endless testimonies and praises heaped on our volunteers by mission section chiefs and senior management, I am reminded of the sacrifices UN Volunteers, many of whom were in the frontline of service provision, have made for the people of Darfur. --James Duku, UNV Programme Manager, UNAMID
While it sometimes feels sad to bid farewell to the now departing UN Volunteers, I am deeply thankful for their contribution to peace in the Darfur region of Sudan. On this International Day of UN Peacekeepers, may their commitment to service and contribution be recognized as the greatest catalyst for Peace and Development here and in the world beyond.
UN Volunteers are, indeed, an inspiration in action!
James Duku, UNV Programme Manager, UNAMID
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Story
30 May 2021
Building Back Better: Flood Disaster Needs and Recovery Assessment Report released
This week, the Government of Sudan in collaboration with the United Nations and the World Bank, launched a report highlighting the impact of 2020’s floods on development sectors of Sudan, and identified key actions required to reduce the impacts of future disasters including floods.
“Disaster preparedness is vital to peace processes - drought and conflict linkages are evident in Sudan, preparedness is important for reducing financial burden on humanitarian aid and moving forward to development,” said Jos De La Haye, UNDP Sudan Deputy Resident Representative.
He added: “Leaving no one behind, UNDP reiterates its commitment to support disaster risk management including disaster risk governance in Sudan.”
Drawing on assessments of those impacted during 2020’s catastrophic flood events, the Rapid Post Disaster Needs and Recovery Assessment (PDNRA) responds jointly to the Government’s request for flood impact assessment, and recovery planning.
Damage and loss was assessed across 16 sub-sectors including housing, agriculture, energy, and disaster risk reduction. Coordinated with government and key partners, the report highlights key steps to support building a culture of disaster resilience in Sudan – mitigating future impacts and strengthening the ability of communities to recover faster.
With total damage and loss from floods estimated at US$ 4.4 billion, and recovery estimated at US$ 6.9 billion, the key finding was clear: reconstruct with ‘Build Back Better’ principles, not previous methods. Supporting this, efforts are underway in Kassala to support early warning and emergency preparedness.
The United Nations is committed to emergency response and disaster preparedness in Sudan, with UNDP’s support. Previously, UNDP has supported the Sudan Meteorological Authority on Early Warning, developed a national strategy on disaster risk management, and supported creation of disaster insurance products. These measures, and ensuring sustainability, are critical to support disaster risk management, recovery and development in Sudan.
Read the full report and its findings here.
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Story
30 May 2021
‘Spirt of unity, partnership and collaboration’ needed to realize Sudan’s aspirations
“One of the key messages remains that we expect all parts of Sudan to work together for all of Sudan”, Special Representative Volker Perthes said after consulting on the country’s future with a wide and diverse group of participants.
Paris Conference
Having just returned from the Paris Conference, designed to encourage the economic revitalization of the country, he told ambassadors that Member States had announced bilateral debt forgiveness to help Sudan clear its arrears with international financial institutions.
Sudanese civil society also shared their vision of a new Sudan based on freedom, justice and economic opportunity, while Prime Minister Abadalla Hamdok reiterated his commitment to peace, said Mr. Perthes, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS).
“I encourage all of Sudan’s international and domestic partners to continue supporting Sudan as it implements key economic and political reforms”.
Road to comprehensive peace
Beginning with the peace process, the UN envoy said that on 28 March the Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council – which combines military and civilian representatives - and the leader of rebel group, the Sudan People Liberation Movement, had signed a Declaration of Principles, which paves the way for a final agreement.
He also said that during talks scheduled for next week, UNITAMS would support the parties as well as neighbouring South Sudan, the mediator, as required.
The UN official also discussed with Abdulwahid al Nur, leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army, in Darfur, one of the other main non-signatory factions, the importance of engaging politically with the Government for “a comprehensive peace”.
Political overview
The Government continues its efforts to advance the political transition, including the “important steps” of establishing a Peace Commission, Anti-corruption Commission, and Transitional Justice Commission, among others, said Mr. Perthes.
Turning to delays in the transition process, he pointed “most importantly” to the fact that an inclusive and representative Transitional Legislative Council with at least 40 per cent female participation has yet to be realized.
Amidst “great concern” over the limited progress in implementing the Juba Peace Agreement of October last year, the UN envoy noted some advances, such as preparations to establish its Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism.
“Other critical aspects remain unfulfilled”, he said, pointing to security arrangements, a ceasefire, a Joint Protection Force and other security committees, all of which have “a direct bearing on protection of civilians and overall stability”.
Resolving armed conflict
After intercommunal clashes that left 144 dead and some 65,000 displaced last month in Darfur, the Special Representative told the Council that the Government had decided to implement further critical security measures, including joint security forces, enhanced security arrangements, related ceasefire committees, and more humanitarian relief.
Despite the willingness of armed movements to put forward named representatives for ceasefire committees and identify personnel for joint security forces, he said, “deployments have yet to commence”.
“I fear that without the speedy establishment of these Joint Forces, and the implementation of Sudan’s National Plan for the Protection of Civilians, we could see similar incidents like Geneina be repeated”, the UN official warned, referring to five days of fighting in West Darfur that left scores dead.
Continue supporting Sudan – Special Representative
Sudanese women
Meanwhile, Sudanese women leaders have continued to draw attention to disparities in safety, basic needs and political participation, demanding their rights as continued reports reveal human rights violations against women and girls, including through social media campaigns inciting violence.
The Special Representative the Government’s decision to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women was “an important step forward” as well as the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, and pledged the mission’s continued support for “an environment where women live free of fear for their safety and exercise their full rights”
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Press Release
15 September 2021
The Sudan First State of Environment and Outlook Report Team Concluded First Regional Workshop in North Kordofan
Khartoum - The Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources (HCENR) with the support of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have held their first regional workshop in El Obeid the capital of the state of North Kordofan as part of the institutionalisation process of the Sudan First State of Environment and Outlook Report. The regional workshop which took place on 13-14th September, aimed at distributing the report to the participants, soliciting proposals for developing the proposed scenarios and policy options into new better policies, legislations, and institutions in the realm of environment and natural resources management. In addition, to receive from the participants their visions and proposals on how to institutionalise the report through clear legislations or acts and within definite administrative systems.
The workshop was attended by about 50 participants from North, South and West Kordofan States. North Kordofan State was represented by Dr. Hatim Gomaa, General Director of the Ministry of Production and Economic Resources, the Vice Chancellor of Kordofan State, and representatives from Al-Salam and West Kordofan universities. The Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources was represented by Mr. Suliman Alboni Suliman, General Director of the General Directorate of Planning and Policies.
The First State of Environment and Outlook Report was launched in October 2020 with the theme of Environment for Peace and Sustainable Development. The report's launch was coincided with the government's efforts to reform the political, economic and social systems after the December 2019 historical revolution. It's considered as one of the solid scientific report that could support the government of Sudan in its transitional period.
Its chapters start with an overview of the country’s geography and socio-economy and an explanation of its environmental governance system. Then, it discusses aspects of the environment under the themes of Atmosphere, Land Resources, Water Resources, Biodiversity, Persistent Environmental Issues and Emerging Environmental Issues. These are followed by a detailed analysis of the country’s Policy and Institutional Arrangements, before the report concluded with a Future Outlook titled: Policy Options and Scenarios.
In the first day of the workshop, the focus was on presenting on: Kordofanian features in the report, future policy options and scenarios, institutionalisation of the report and environmental information network.
The second day was dedicated to groups work where the participants discussed and explored the future production of the report. They also explored- at the State as well as regional level- policy options based on report directives on Policy Options and Scenarios.
The participants came up with a package of future recommendations for the three states, Kordofan regions and their relationship with the Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources including:
Production of states’ State of Environment and Outlook reports every two years, and the national reports every five years.
Establishment of a Regional Council in Kordofan for Environment and Natural Resources in fulfilment of Article 5/2 of the Unified Environmental Councils Law 2020.
Until the Federal System is endorsed, each state will establish an Environmental Sector/Department within the ministry responsible for the environment.
Establishment of an Advisory Committee in each Kordofan Sates composed of different institutions (State units, universities, NGOs. etc.).
These recommendations will be followed through a coordination committee composed of the three General Directors of States Ministries who are responsible for the environment and the Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources.
Atila Uras, UNEP's Country Programme Manager said: "The Sudan First State of Environment and Outlook report recognizes Sudan’s rich natural capital - the diversity of soil, biodiversity, water, landscapes and habitats- which if wisely managed, it will drive the country towards a green sustainable future with enhanced well-being and human health. We as a United Nations Environment Programme are ready to help and support".
Further regional workshops are planned to be arranged in other regions including the Central Region (Blue Nile, Khartoum, Gezira, Sinnar and White Nile States) and Greater Darfur States.
The First State of Environment and Outlook Report 2020 is available here.
For more information, please contact:
Sara Eltigani Elsharif, Communication Specialist, UNEP Sudan, sara.eltiganiahmed@un.org
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Press Release
05 September 2021
Government of Sudan convenes first High-Level meeting of Sudan’s international partners and the National Mechanism for the Protection of Civilians
Khartoum – The United Nations Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Mme Khardiata Lo Ndiaye, today addressed the first high-level meeting of Sudan’s international partners and the National Mechanism for the Protection of Civilians.
The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, H.E. Mr. Khalid Omer Yousif, with participation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mariam Al Sadig, the Minister of Interior, H.E. Lt Gen Izzaddin Al Sheikh, representatives of the Troika (the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway), Heads and representatives of Diplomatic Missions, and UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes.
Following a presentation of the Government’s priorities, achievements and challenges for the Protection of Civilians, Government representatives underlined commitment to implement the Juba Peace Agreement and the National Plan for Civilian Protection, and welcomed the proposed follow-up technical workshop to be jointly organized with the National Mechanism to identify gaps and required additional programmatic interventions and agree on the next steps.
The UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan commended the Government for convening the meeting and affirmed that the UN in Sudan is already engaged in many of the activities stipulated in the National plan as part of the ongoing humanitarian and development programming as well as its political and human rights work.
She welcomed the establishment of the State Protection of Civilians Committees in North, South, East and Central Darfur States, and called for the establishment of a similar for West Darfur State and facilitate their effective operationalization.
“Challenges of protection of civilians are intractable and chronic in Sudan, due to decades of conflict and violence. In addressing the socio-economic, climatic and other root causes, a deeper reflection is required,” she said.
Representatives of Sudan’s international partners raised key protection issues and highlighted the need for stronger coordination between the National Mechanism, UN entities and Sudan’s international partners as well as with other stakeholders at the national and sub-national levels.
It could be recalled, that following the closure of the UN-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, on the occasion of the country's 65th Independence Day, announced the formation of the National Mechanism for Civilian Protection. The Mechanism comprises representation from various Government ministries and is mandated to coordinate the implementation of the National Plan for Civilian Protection.
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Press Release
01 September 2021
UNHCR and IOM welcome government new action plan to combat human trafficking in Sudan
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) commend the Sudanese Government for the launch of its 2021–2023 National Action Plan (NAP) to Combat Human Trafficking.
The plan, officially launched yesterday by the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking (NCCT), seeks to reinforce Sudan’s efforts to curb human trafficking and to build on the previous action plan for 2017-2019.
The new NAP, which was drafted with the support of the Counter-Trafficking and Mixed Migration Working Group (CTWG), of which UNHCR and IOM are co-chairs, has a broader scope and takes into consideration contributions from all concerned actors including officials and civil society.
“The launch of this National Action Plan shows the renewed commitment of the Government of Sudan to tackle human trafficking, which is also a key concern for refugees and asylum seekers,” said Axel Bisschop, UNHCR Representative in Sudan. “We will continue to work with the NCCT, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other partners to enhance the protection of forcibly displaced who have fallen victims of trafficking and to find solutions for them,” he added.
Sudan has a complex and diverse migration profile as a major source, transit and destination country at the centre of multiple migration routes. Over the past decade, thousands of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers have been transiting to and through Sudan which currently hosts millions of displaced persons many of which are at increased risk of exploitation and abuse, including human trafficking.
“The National Action Plan is a way forward to coordinate the efforts in the prevention of trafficking, protection and assistance to victims of trafficking in Sudan,” said Catherine Northing, IOM Chief of Mission in Sudan. "IOM is committed to continue its efforts to support the government together with UNHCR and other partners to protect the human rights of and provide assistance to victims of trafficking.”
The overarching goal of the new NAP is to prevent and respond to human trafficking and migrant smuggling, which women and children are at heightened risk of. The plan outlines activities aimed at eradicating trafficking in persons.
While the NCCT will coordinate collective actions to fulfil the NAP’s objectives and priorities, UNHCR and IOM calls on the international community to fully support concerned authorities and engaged actors in the implementation of this plan.
UNHCR Sudan
Assadullah Nasrullah, Communications Officer | nasrulla@unhcr.org or sudkhextrel@unhcr.org
IOM Sudan
Lisa George, Communications and Media Officer | lgeorge@iom.int or IOMSudanmedia@iom.int
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Press Release
04 August 2021
Federal Ministry of Health, UNDP and WHO launch improved HIV treatment
The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Health Organization (WHO) and partners have commenced the roll-out of a new HIV treatment in Sudan, supported by the Global Fund. The new medication is part of WHO’s recommended treatment guidelines and will help the 46,000 people estimated to be living with HIV in Sudan. The rollout was initially planned for 2020, however to the due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was delayed.
Following the adoption of the WHO treatment guidelines by the FMoH, the medication is being introduced at all 42 HIV treatment centres nationwide. The rollout has been accompanied by FMoH, UNDP, WHO and UNAIDS-supported training for healthcare staff, and improvements to individual patient monitoring.
On the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, antiretroviral (ARV) drug ‘Dolutegravir’ is recommended as the preferred treatment for all populations, based on its effectiveness, fewer side effects, high genetic barrier for resistance and improved life expectancy of the person taking it.
Planned for nationwide deployment in phases over the next three years, the first phase expects to have 45% of current antiretroviral treatment recipients transitioned to the new medication by the end of the year.
“This is a step forward in improving the lives of those living with HIV, one we are thrilled to see happen,” said [Thowiba Khougli head of the Procurement and Supply Chain Management Unit at DCD-FMOH]. “This transition is thanks to the ongoing support and strong relationships with our partners - the Global Fund, UNDP, WHO and others – and our thanks go to them for the assistance in delivering a life-improving outcome to some of our most vulnerable.”
In the second, planned for 2022, enrolment is expected to reach 75% of those living with HIV, growing to 90% by 2023.
In preparation for the launch, the Ministry of Health’s Disease Control Directorate in close collaboration with WHO, undertook extensive work to adapt the treatment guidelines for Sudan’s conditions, conducting dialogues with healthcare providers, national organizations, international organizations, policymakers, and people living with HIV. Utilizing Global Fund support, UNDP supported procurement of medication into Sudan, with the Ministry providing training for medical staff with technical support from UNDP, WHO, and other partners.
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For further information, contact:
UNDP
William Seal, Head of Communications, UNDP Sudan, will.seal@undp.org, 09009 21412
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.
Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.
WHO
Hamza Ansari, External Relations Officer, WHO Sudan, aansari@who.int
About WHO
The World Health Organization provides global leadership in public health within the United Nations system. Founded in 1948, WHO works with 194 Member States, across six regions and from more than 150 offices, to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. Our goal for 2019-2023 is to ensure that a billion more people have universal health coverage, to protect a billion more people from health emergencies, and provide a further billion people with better health and wellbeing.
For updates on COVID-19 and public health advice to protect yourself from coronavirus, visit www.who.int and follow WHO on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest, Snapchat, YouTube
For updates on COVID-19 and public health advice to protect yourself from coronavirus, visit www.who.int and follow WHO on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest, Snapchat, YouTube
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Press Release
29 June 2021
UNAMID completes drawdown, begins liquidation
The African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) will complete its drawdown exercise on 30 June 2021, as requested by the UN Security Council resolution 2559 (2020) which ended the Mission’s mandate.
Mr. M’Baye Babacar Cissé, Assistant Secretary-General, was tasked to oversee the drawdown period, manage personnel and asset repatriation, transfer team sites to local authorities, and engage with the Government on relevant issues.
Over the past four months, UNAMID handed over 14 team sites to the Government, who committed to using them for civilian purposes as in line with the Framework Agreement signed on 4 March 2021. Facilities are to be utilized for health care, education, and other social services, including vocational training and community centers, as identified by community members.
While it is the responsibility of the Central Government to ensure the safety and protection of the sites, the Darfur state governments remain responsible for ensuring the facilities are being used as intended.
The Government of Sudan established the Joint Task Force and the State Handover Committees to be UNAMID’s key interlocutors during the drawdown. It was through this engagement that the Mission heard the specific needs of each community and identified ways to meet those needs through the provision of assets such as water and sewage trucks, water treatment equipment, generators, and vehicles, among others. So far, UNAMID, as an integral part of its drawdown, provided Darfur communities with 193 vehicles, including 27 water and sewage trucks and 196 generators. The Mission also donated its clinic in Zalingei as well as medical facilities in Nyala and Kabkabiya for use by the local communities.
“Good coordination and cooperation with the Government of Sudan has been critical for meeting the tight timeline and benchmarks set by the Security Council for the drawdown period. Similarly, it will be important for the Government to ensure the protection of the Logistics Base and the repatriation of remaining staff to facilitate a seamless liquidation phase,” said Mr. Cissé.
Due to its size, both in terms of personnel and assets, as well as its geographical footprint, UNAMID faced challenges during the drawdown period, but was able to undertake it without major incidents.
During UNAMID’s 13-year mandate, more than 100,000 military and police peacekeepers were contributed by dozens of countries from around the world. At its peak deployment in 2011, it had nearly 23,000 troops and police.
At the beginning of the drawdown period in January 2021, 7,000 military, police, and civilian personnel remained to be separated and repatriated, with over 6,000 now repatriated.
UNAMID, one of the largest peacekeeping operations in the history of the United Nations, created a security environment in Darfur and will be departing with a history of achievements supporting the protection of civilians, particularly the internally displaced persons, community stabilization and rule of law support, the provision of humanitarian aid as well as supporting the implementation of the peace process. The Mission also worked to empower women; addressed sexual and gender-based violence; protected and promoted human rights; and helped with the fight against COVID-19.
As the Mission transitions into its liquidation phase, which is likely to last another year, significant tasks remain such as the transition and handover of the El Fasher camp to the authorities in Darfur, the disposal of remaining assets, the completion of the environmental clean-up and restoration, the disposal of hazardous materials including expired ammunition, and the repatriation of equipment and uniformed and civilian personnel.
As authorized by the Security Council, the Mission in its year-long liquidation phase scheduled to commence on 1 July 2021, will maintain a guard unit consisting of 363 formed police unit to protect UN personnel, facilities and assets inside the El Fasher Logistics Base. In parallel, Sudanese joint forces will continue to be deployed outside the Base, under the direction of the Government of Sudan and in close coordination with the UNAMID Liquidation Team. These forces will have the shared responsibility of securing the perimeter of the base, providing safety and security for UN personnel and ensuring that onward convoys of assets and contingent owned equipment are able to proceed without incidents.
While UNAMID completed its mandate on 31 December 2020 and the drawdown by 1 July 2021 and is now in a full-fledged liquidation phase, the United Nations is not leaving Sudan. UNAMID has coordinated regularly with the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), sharing best practices and lessons learned on its work in Darfur to consolidate and scale up the peacebuilding gains that have been made.
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