First Human Rights Commission opened in Darfur

The Sudan National Human Rights Commission inaugurated a regional office in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, in order to bring its services closer to the Darfur people.

The UN Development Program (UNDP) supported the establishment, which is part of a project to strengthen the governance and functioning of the National Human Rights Commission.

“A key element of this system is the existence of an independent and effective national human rights institution, and the establishment of the regional office in Darfur will constitute a milestone in strengthening rule of law and promotion of human rights in the region,” said UNDP country director Selva Ramachandran.

The government of Japan made a financial contribution to the project. Japanese Ambassador Hideki Ito, expressed his pleasure to support the concept of human rights enshrined in the Interim Constitution. At the opening event in El Fasher he wished that his government's contribution helps to disseminate a peaceful practice of the human rights in Darfur.

Minister of Justice, Awad El Hassan El Nur, stated that the Sudanese government appreciates the contribution of the UNDP and Japan.

More offices

The human rights commission has, since its establishment in 2012, put up a central office in Khartoum. Apart from the new Darfur office, the commission plans to open five regional offices in various areas in the country.

The former UNDP country director, Yvonne Helle, was expelled to leave Sudan by the end of 2014, along with her colleague Ali El Za'tari, resident coordinator.