The UN Resident and Humanitarian and Development Coordinator in Sudan, Denise Brown, stated that the United Nations’ return to operating from its headquarters in the capital, Khartoum, represents an important step in supporting the Sudanese people affected by the war and strengthening humanitarian and development response efforts.
This came during her speech on Thursday at the reopening ceremony of the UN Development Programme office in Khartoum, as part of the reactivation of the UN House facilities hosting several UN agencies.
Brown said she was not in Khartoum three years ago when the city was attacked, but had heard stories from many women who were displaced, as well as from Sudanese colleagues and members of the diplomatic community, describing that period as “a terrible time.”
She added that the return of citizens to Khartoum reflects their deep connection to their homeland, noting that “home is a very special place, and a person has only one homeland,” affirming that the UN shares this return with the Sudanese people.
She explained that the UN’s mission in Sudan is currently focused on supporting those affected across the country, which requires field presence in multiple areas. She noted that working from Khartoum facilitates access to several states, including Northern State, White Nile State, and North and South Kordofan.
She also mentioned her recent visit to Al-Dilling in South Kordofan, where she witnessed the difficult living conditions under siege, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to supporting Sudanese people wherever they are.
Brown expressed her gratitude to the Governor of Khartoum, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other government bodies that facilitated the UN’s return to the capital.
She confirmed that this marks her first official working day based in Khartoum, reiterating the UN’s commitment to supporting the Sudanese people, mitigating the effects of war, and aiding recovery and stability efforts.
