A/HRC/4/9/Add.3 page 9 at the regional and national level, vital to their continued existence, is hard to achieve for some groups.5 For the smallest groups, lacking political awareness and capacity and unable to meet thresholds for representation, this remains inaccessible. 20. Decline in numbers is partially the result of voluntary cultural dilution through inter-ethnic marriage, voluntary relocation or assimilation. However, every effort is required to protect those small groups that wish to maintain their distinct characteristics yet are vulnerable to factors beyond their control, such as the impact of conflict or forced displacement from their traditional lands. Further research into such highly vulnerable groups is required to enable effective policy responses to protect their existence and preserve their cultures, also for the wider benefit of Ethiopia generally. 21. The protection of minorities, including protection of their physical integrity, must also be considered with respect to larger ethnic groups affected by conflict, and reported targeting or forced displacement of particular groups. Numerous inter-ethnic and intra-ethnic conflicts were reported, including in the regions of Gambella, Oromia, SNNP and Somali. 22. Ongoing conflicts amongst groups within Oromia region and with groups in neighbouring states were highlighted as requiring urgent measures to protect the security of vulnerable communities. The causes of conflict require urgent investigation, and if solutions are deemed to fall beyond the capacity of the regional authorities, the federal Government should take immediate action to provide solutions and security. It is alleged that conflicts in Oromia and between Oromo clans have been neglected or even orchestrated as a means of destabilizing effective political opposition in the region. 23. Conflicts, including between neighbouring Gabra clans of Oromo, between Guji and Borana, and between Oromo and neighbouring ethnic groups in Somali, Afar and Sidama, have allegedly resulted in the displacement of some 300,000 people. Policies of forced relocation of Oromo communities without compensation were claimed to have affected thousands, to make way for developments such as cut flower plantations. The independent expert welcomes the intervention of the House of Federation in issues which fall within its jurisdiction. 24. Interviews suggest a deteriorating situation in regard to religious tolerance and between those of Christian and Muslim faith. Tensions in some regions have reportedly been heightened by security and “counter-terrorist” operations against “Jihadists” and Ethiopian military activities in Somalia against the Union of Islamic Courts. In Afar and Somali, which has a porous border with Somalia and shared ethnic and religious clans, Islam is dominant. The Government should ensure that State activities do not impact on the legitimate rights and freedoms of religious communities under international human rights law and the Constitution of Ethiopia. Steps should be taken publicly by the Government to build confidence amongst Ethiopia’s Muslim communities and to maintain historically good inter-religious relations. 5 According to national experts interviewed by the independent expert, studies suggest that some minority nationalities had a maximum of 700 members and a minimum of only 200.