Darfur peacekeepers verify return of 356 IDPs to their village

June 27, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — An assessment mission from the hybrid peacekeeping verified the return of 356 families to their village in South Darfur after had being displaced in internally displaced camps in the region.

A UNAMID Team conducted an assessment mission last Wednesday to Adwa village, about 40 km north of Nyala town in South Darfur on Wednesday to verify reports about the return of IDPs to their village.

The mission included Humanitarian Affairs, Civil Affairs and Human Rights.

The team held a meeting with traditional leaders (Umdas and Sheikhs) and Government of Sudan Police Commander at Adwa who confirmed that about 356 families had returned from various IDP camps.

During the meeting, the residents requested for food, tents and agricultural equipment, the UNAMID said.

The UN experts estimate some 2.7 IDPs are living in Darfur camps.

Sudanese government encourages the return of the displaced people and refugees to their villages at a time where the rebel groups make this issue one of the top agenda of the peace talks.

Since the eviction of 13 aid groups from Sudan earlier in March, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated. Residents in the camps continue to complain of a lack of potable water and medical facilities.

(ST)