Khartoum, Sudan - United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, Susana Malcorra, on Wednesday visited UNAMID’s headquarters in Fashir, North Darfur, to meet with the Mission leadership and assess the situation on the ground ahead of a review of uniformed personnel due to take place in the coming weeks.

Addressing UNAMID staff, Ms Malcorra said as the situation in Darfur shifted towards peace and development, there would be a need for a readjustment in the way the Mission’s personnel delivered their mandate, making sure they were closer to where they were needed most.

“As Darfuris decide their future, either as IDPs (internally-displaced persons) or as refugees coming from across the border, we need to deliver on the enabling capabilities to help the people resettle,” a statement issued by UNAMID on Wednesday said. “We need to be where we are required.”

Ms Malcorra also gave assurances of the Mission’s support when she met the Deputy Governor of North Darfur, Idriss Abdallah Hassan.

She said the signing of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) between the Government of the Sudan and one of its armed opponents had provided a window for peace and development in Darfur.

“We will be here to support, but the evolution is in your hands,” Ms Malcorra said. “We are fully involved and ready to work together.”

Ms Malcorra expressed her concern about attacks against UNAMID peacekeepers and urged the Government to 'bring the perpetrators to justice.' 

The UN Department of Field Support provides support to peacekeeping and political field missions in the areas of finance, logistics, information and communication technology, human resources and general administration, to help the missions to promote peace and security.

Pana 01/12/2011