A/HRC/4/9/Add.3 page 26 96. It is clear that the continued imprisonment without trial according to international standards of opposition leaders, economists, scholars and university students, represents a violation of human rights obligations and a breach of trust between Government and citizens. Continuation of this situation will contribute to denying the full realization of the admirable initiatives represented in the Constitution regarding equal rights among all ethnic groups in Ethiopia and consequent recognition and protection of language, cultural and religious rights. 97. There is a widespread perception that ethnicity is being manipulated and used as a political tool. While the Government is said to favour and encourage the establishment of ethnically-based political parties over multi-ethnic parties, some consider this is a means of entrenching ethnic divisions. In a nation that has faced long and bitter ethnically-based conflict, domination by particular ethnic groups, and decades of authoritarian rule, a process of national dialogue and reconciliation seems required - one that enables all groups to build confidence in democratic processes, to disassociate politics from ethnicity, and to break down the perception that independent political opposition equates to armed resistance. IX. RECOMMENDATIONS 98. As a matter of priority the federal Government should: − Take measures to depoliticize ethnicity and promote policies of inclusion, shared power and cooperation. Such measures could include urging political parties to develop non-ethnic policies and programmes, opening membership to those of different ethnicity and facilitating greater participation and membership of women from all ethnic groups; − Treat those political opposition leaders, journalists, students and human rights defenders currently detained according to international law and standards of fair and speedy trial, and where no evidence exists for conviction release them immediately; − Guarantee freedom of opinion, speech and the right of peaceful assembly at all times, in accordance with its obligations under international law; − Take urgent and culturally appropriate security measures for all communities in high-risk areas, including Gambella State, to ensure protection of all communities and to promote the safe return of those who have fled their homes or lands due to violence and conflict; − Address the needs of historically marginalized ethnic groups in the least developed regions in urgent need of infrastructure, sanitation, health-care services, and education facilities, with appropriate resources and development policies; − Urgently address ongoing inter-ethnic tensions and conflict with conflict prevention and resolution measures. Community-led conflict prevention and