Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

August 8, 2011

Ambassador Dane F. Smith, U.S. Senior Advisor for Darfur, departs Washington this evening en route to Geneva, Switzerland, and London, United Kingdom. In Geneva, Ambassador Smith will meet with humanitarian agencies and organizations to discuss how to support international efforts aimed at creating sustainable opportunities to improve the livelihoods the Darfuri people while decreasing dependence on humanitarian assistance. He will also discuss the importance of renewing the mandate of the Independent Expert with delegations to the UN Human Rights Council. In London, the Senior Advisor will meet with his counterparts and other interested parties to discuss the way ahead on Darfur.