Closure of UNMIS

UNMIS wound up its operations on 9 July 2011 with the completion of the interim period agreed on by the Government of Sudan and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), signed on 9 January 2005.

The mission ended its six years of mandated operations the same day South Sudan declared independence, following a CPA-provided referendum on 9 January 2011 that voted overwhelmingly in favour of secession.

In support of the new nation, the Security Council established a successor mission to UNMIS – the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) – on 9 July for an initial period of one year, with the intention to renew for further periods as required.

International Women's Day celebrated across Sudan

27 Jul 2009

International Women's Day celebrated across Sudan

In a message read out on International Women's Day celebrations across Sudan on 8 March, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that violence against women was an attack on the foundation of civilization.

Addressing this year's theme "Women and Men United to End Violence Against Women and Girls", the Secretary-General said, "Women bear and care for our children. In much of the world they plant the crops that feed us."

UNMIS Khartoum organized a celebration jointly with Ahfad University for Women in Omdurman on 6 March, attended by more than 4,000 people. Addressing this year's theme, Deputy Special Representative to the Secretary-General Ameerah Haq spoke about the UN's commitment towards women's empowerment.

The Day was celebrated on 10 March at UNMIS Headquarters in Khartoum with Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ashraf Qazi reading the Secretary-General's message. Paintings and books were also on display and a documentary on violence against women was shown.

In Upper Nile State, the celebration was organized with UNMIS assistance in the compound of the General Women's Union in Malakal. In Blue Nile State the day was observed by a joint celebration of UNMIS, UNHCR and GOAL as well as local organizations and community leaders.