Darfur / UNAMID Media Brief

EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, April 11, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- National human rights commission begins visit to Darfur

The newly appointed Chairperson for the National Commission for Human Rights, Ms. Amal Hassan Babiker Altinay, arrived today in El Fasher, North Darfur, as part of her five-day visit to the region. The purpose of the trip is to meet people who have been affected by the conflict and to raise awareness about the protection of human rights under the country's laws.

“Human rights issues are our priority and to ensure that the people, in particular the displaced population, have equal access to justice and to basic services including clean water, education and health care,” said Ms. Altinay.

The Chairperson was received at UNAMID Headquarters by Deputy Joint Special Representative for Operations and Management, Mr. Mohammed B. Yonis, other senior UNAMID officials and representatives of the United Nations Country Team.

Mr. Yonis stressed that the Mission is involved in human rights issues of Darfur as well as addressing the protection of women's rights. He stated that the Mission will support the offices of the Commission in fulfillment of its mandate.

Ms. Altinay's visit is expected to take her to South, West, East and Central Darfur states to meet with local government representatives, civil society representatives and internally displaced communities in the coming days.

The National Commission for Human Rights was established in accordance with the provisions of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD). Ms. Altinay was appointed by President Al-Bashir in January 2012 as Chairperson of the Commission.