A/RES/55/77 large-scale refugee populations on the security, socio-economic situation and environment of countries of asylum; 3. Recalls 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 and commends the convening by the Organization of African Unity and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees of the Special Meeting of Governmental and NonGovernmental Technical Experts at Conakry from 27 to 29 March 2000 to mark that anniversary; 4. Encourages African States to ensure the full implementation of and follow-up to the comprehensive implementation plan adopted by the Special Meeting and endorsed by the Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity; 6 5. Also encourages African States to ensure the full implementation of and follow-up to the recommendations of the sixth Seminar on International Humanitarian Law, convened by the Organization of African Unity and the International Committee of the Red Cross at Addis Ababa on 15 and 16 May 2000; 6. Calls upon States and other parties to armed conflict to observe scrupulously the letter and the spirit of international humanitarian law, bearing in mind that armed conflict is one of the principal causes of forced displacement in Africa; 7. Expresses its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Sadako Ogata for her tireless efforts, throughout her tenure as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to address the plight of refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa and for her inspiring example in performing her functions in an exemplary and dedicated manner; 8. Expresses its gratitude and appreciation, in this year which marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, for the work accomplished since its establishment, with the support of the international community, in assisting African countries of asylum and responding to the needs of refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa for assistance and protection; 9. Notes the intergovernmental event planned in commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, 9 in 2001, and encourages African States parties to the Convention to participate actively in the event; 10. Reaffirms that the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol 10 relating to the Status of Refugees, as complemented by the Organization of African Unity Convention of 1969, remain the foundation of the international refugee protection regime in Africa, encourages African States that have not yet done so to accede to those instruments, and calls upon States parties to the Conventions to reaffirm their commitment to their ideals and to respect and observe their provisions; 11. Notes the need for States to address the root causes of forced displacement in Africa, and calls upon African States, the international community 9 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 189, No. 2545. Ibid., vol. 606, No. 8791. 10 3