A/RES/56/135 1. Takes note of the reports of the Secretary-General 10 and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; 11 2. Notes with concern that the declining socio-economic situation, compounded by political instability, internal strife, human rights violations and natural disasters, has led to increased numbers of refugees and displaced persons in some countries of Africa, and remains particularly concerned about the impact of large-scale refugee populations on the security, socio-economic situation and environment of countries of asylum; 3. Encourages African States to ensure the full implementation of and follow-up to the Comprehensive Implementation Plan adopted by the Special Meeting of Governmental and Non-Governmental Technical Experts convened by the Organization of African Unity and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees at Conakry on the occasion 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 4. 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; 5. Expresses its appreciation for the leadership shown by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees since he assumed office in January 2001, and commends the Office of the High Commissioner for the ongoing efforts, with the support of the international community, to assist African countries of asylum and to respond to the protection and assistance needs of refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa; 6. Notes the Ministerial Meeting of States Parties to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, to be held at Geneva on 12 and 13 December 2001, and encourages African States parties to the Convention to participate actively in the event; 7. Welcomes the process of the Global Consultations on International Protection launched by the Office of the High Commissioner, which provides an important forum for open discussion on complex legal and operational protection issues, and in this context invites African States to continue to participate actively in this process so as to bring their regional perspective to bear, thus ensuring that adequate attention is paid to concerns that are specific to Africa; 8. Reaffirms that the 1951 Convention 7 and the 1967 Protocol8 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; 9. 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 _______________ 10 11 A/56/335. Official Records of the General Assembly, Fifty-sixth Session, Supplement No. 12 (A/56/12). 3