This Policy Brief reflects on the Protection of Civilian (PoC) strategies of UNAMID Police and some of the challenges hindering their effective implementation in Darfur. It argues that for PoC to be successful, UNAMID Police should focus its attention on a number of issues including overcoming the frequent access denials to some areas in Darfur by the Government of Sudan (GoS) through enhanced cooperation and political dialogue; and the provision of adequate resources for police personnel to carry out their mandated activities.
Conclusion and recommendations:
Civilian protection is a core element of UNAMID’s mandate and a major strategic priority of the police component. Although, there have been successes in protecting civilians in Darfur, several challenges remain. For effective protection of civilians, the following recommendations can be considered by policy makers, UNAMID Police and the various stakeholders:
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UNAMID Police must improve information analysis through intelligence gathering and accurate reporting. The role of civil society and local communities can be vital in this regard
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UNAMID should enhance its relationship with the Government of Sudan as part of the effort to reestablish trust and credibility to facilitate access to IDP camps and areas in Darfur where civilians are under threat
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the UN, AU and other stakeholders should provide adequate funding and support for the implementation of Quick-Impact Projects and building the capacity of GoS Police, as well as Community Policing Volunteers (CPVs) in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps
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the downsizing of UNAMID ought to be done in accordance with local realities and dynamics to prevent the problem of insufficient personnel especially, Formed Police Units (FPU’s) for patrols, and escorts
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FPUs should be well trained and adequately resourced by Police Contributing Countries (PCCs) and UN/AU to carry out their protection activities effectively