Woman fighter first in Sudan´s UN-backed demobilization program

Source: Xinhua | 02-13-2009 13:17

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- A woman was the first ex-combatant to be demobilized in this week's historic launch of a UN-backed program, according to a UN press release Thursday.

Fatima, a former member of the People's Defense Forces, was first in line when 15 ex-combatants, including four other women, stepped forward on Wednesday in Ed Damazin in Blue Nile State at the start of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) program.

The inclusion of women in the launch reflects the commitment that women, as well as men, equally benefit from the DDR process, the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) said in a news release.

During the ceremony, ex-combatants relinquished their weapons and in return received a DDR identification card, cash, non-food items and a coupon for food rations provided by the UN World Food Program.

Editor:Zhang Yun