High Profile Delegation Meets Development Beneficiaries in Blue Nile State

On March 14th 2012, UNDP and Sudan Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission (SDDRC) facilitated a high profile visit to Damazin, the capital of Blue Nile State. The first international agency to do so, SDDRC and UNDP hosted the Ambassador of Norway alongside Deputy Ambassadors and senior diplomats from Spain, Germany, Canada, Japan and DFI. The purpose of the visit was to observe numerous achievements and success stories in the beleaguered Blue Nile region.
A good example of this success is the support provided to a community based organization (CBO), ‘Al Waad’ involving ex-combatants and community members in a remote village called Zindia, where conflict initially broke out last year in September. The CBO, which was part of the soft component of groundbreaking social reintegration, was instrumental in bringing together the community and ex-combatants towards the construction of a health clinic. This clinic, which will serve the needs of over 40,000 people, will be jointly managed by the Ministry of Health and the community. Crucial not only for health purposes, the clinic also acts as a key reconciliation flashpoint, bringing the surrounding communalities together. In addition, this will promote acceptance and good will towards the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration programme, better facilitating the effective reintegration of ex-combatants.
While UNDP funded the building and furniture, it was ex-combatants and community members who provided labour, and the Ministry of Health contributing with drugs and medical personnel. The visit showcased the Joint DDR Programmes’ tireless efforts in the face of great adversity to ensure the quality delivery of reintegration support services. It was clear on that sunny day in March that these efforts have truly made a difference, showing how UNDP and SDDRC are able to deliver reintegration support services even in the most challenging environments.