Finland has offered civilian policemen to Darfur

Press release 187/2007
27 September, 2007

Finland has offered the UN 12 civilian policemen for the common UN and African Union crisis management operation in Darfur. The aim of this Unamid operation, United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur, is to support the implementation of the Darfur peace agreement, protect aid workers in the region, as well as civilians.

The 26,000 peace keepers are meant to be sent to the field without further delay. The preparations to kick off the operation are progressing. In addition to solders, the operation will involve policemen who will train the Sudanese police and support the development of its work, as well as carry out reporting and monitoring tasks.

Out of the 12 policemen Finland is offering to this mission, three are policewomen. Also, two Finns are likely to leave the Amis operation in Sudan in order to participate in the one in Darfur.

There are currently 93 Finnish civilian experts on civilian crisis management missions or as candidates for such missions all over the world.

Further information: Mr Mika-Markus Leinonen, Head of Unit, Civilian Crisis Management, tel. +358 09 1605 5357