Darfur displaced tell UN ambassadors to replace UNAMID with NATO

Displaced persons in Darfur met members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) delegation on Friday in Abu Shouk Camp in North Darfur. The displaced pointed out that clearly the humanitarian and security situation is deteriorating in the region, there is a lack of aid, the war is continuing, the government has threatened to dismantle the camps, and the displaced continue to be terrorized and blockaded. They called on members of the Security Council to change the African Union – United Nations (UNAMID) troops for troops from NATO to restore security in Darfur, placing it under international protection and ensuring that all the war criminals are brought to trial in The Hague. The displaced during the meeting criticized members of the Security Council for not implementing any of the roughly 17 resolutions they had passed on Darfur. They argued that the non-implementation of the Council’s decisions actually contributed to and encouraged the government to continue committing of crimes of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur. In an exclusive interview with Radio Dabanga, the head of UNAMID on Friday responded to such criticisms. A full transcript of the interview can be read here.Photo: British Ambassador to the UN Mark Lyall Grant meets on 8 October 2010 with community leaders in Abu Shouk IDP camp, during the United Nations Security Council two-day technical visit to El Fasher, North Dafur. (Photo: Olivier Chassot / UNAMID)