A/RES/54/147 Page 3 impact of large-scale refugee populations on the security, socio-economic situation and environment of countries of asylum; 3. Notes the commemoration in 1999 of the thirtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Organization of African Unity Convention governing the specific aspects of refugee problems in Africa of 1969,1 appeals to African States that have not yet done so to accede to the Convention, and calls upon States parties to the Convention to reaffirm their commitment to its ideals and to respect and observe its provisions; 4. Notes also the commemoration in 1999 of the fiftieth anniversary of the signature of the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949,8 and, bearing in mind that armed conflict is one of the principal causes of forced displacement in Africa, calls upon States and other parties to armed conflict to observe scrupulously the letter and spirit of international humanitarian law; 5. Notes the need for States to address the root causes of forced displacement in Africa, and calls upon African States, the international community and relevant United Nations organizations to take concrete action to meet the needs of refugees, returnees and displaced persons for protection and assistance and to contribute generously to national projects and programmes aimed at alleviating their plight; 6. Notes also the link, inter alia, between human rights violations, poverty, natural disasters and environmental degradation and population displacement, and calls for redoubled and concerted efforts by States, in collaboration with the Organization of African Unity, to promote and protect human rights for all and to address these problems; 7. Encourages the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to continue to cooperate with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, within their respective mandates, in the promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa; 8. Notes with appreciation the positive outcome of all mediation and conflict resolution efforts carried out by African States, the Organization of African Unity and subregional organizations, as well as the establishment of regional mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution, and urges all relevant parties to address the humanitarian consequences of conflicts; 9. Expresses its appreciation and strong support for those African Governments and local populations that, in spite of the general deterioration of socio-economic and environmental conditions and overstretched national resources, continue to accept the additional burden imposed upon them by increasing numbers of refugees and displaced persons, in compliance with the relevant principles of asylum; 10. Expresses its gratitude to the international community and to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for the humanitarian assistance they have continued to render to refugees and displaced persons and to countries of asylum; 8 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 75, Nos. 970–973. /...