    for the Application of the International Humanitarian Law in addition to UNICEF, UNMIS and UNAMID. This means that the mechanism helps and improves sharing of information and coordination of appropriate responses with regards to children affected by armed conflicts. Family and Child Protection Units: the unit was established by an initiative from NCCW, the Ministry of the Interior and UNICEF in addition to other partners in the states (Ministers of Social Affairs, UN agencies and NGOs). The unit provides a package of services to children victims, juveniles and witnesses. It is run by police officers and social workers who provide psychsocial support to children during all legal procedures. Offices for the unit were opened in 15 states, including the 3 states of Darfur. Establishment of Courts and General Prosecution Offices for Children: courts were opened in Khartoum (3), Gezira state and W Nile state. The Chief Justice has ordered that the most senior judge in the state should be responsible for cases of children. The Minister of Justice has issued orders establishing Prosecutor General Offices for children in 15 states (N Sudan) for the provision of friendly procedures for children involved in juvenile cases, victims or witnesses, including in cases of gender based violence. Courts were fitted with TV closed circuits to ensure confidentiality and privacy for children and to enable them avoid fear and anxiety during court procedures. The National DDR Council: the function of this council is to coordinate all DDR activities. It is attached to the Presidency of the Republic and is responsible for preparation of the DDR strategy, formulation of policies and overseeing the DDR program. It has two commissions; one in the north and the other in the south. A special unit for children has been established to oversee children DDR activities. A database on children has been established and a training manual for dealing with children soldiers has been produced. Offices for child soldiers were established at state level supervised by the DDR Commissions (north and south). Unit for Combating Violence against women and Children ( Ministry of Justice): ever since the escalation of hostilities in Darfur the Presidency of the Republic directed the formation of a higher committee, made up of all concerned government agencies, to deal with all aspects of the protection of women and children to be headed by the Vice President. Within this context a unit was established at the Ministry of Justice to deal with combating violence against women. An agreement has been reached with the UN for the establishment of state committees for combating violence against women in Darfur in collaboration with NGOs and UN agencies stakeholders. This was particularly important for the IDP camps in Darfur. The unit coordinate its efforts with those of the Ministry of Health and the WFP for the production of manuals to train doctors and medical workers on how to deal with rape cases for the purpose of documentation of GBV (August 2006) in addition to the provision of medications free of charge to all GBV victims (2006-2008). The numbers of women police officers were increased in the IDP camps and, special training was provided to them, including training on international law, human rights, protection of civilians, especially women and investigation to 16