A/HRC/28/64/Add.2 Middle Belt communities 76. The Middle Belt region comprises an ethnically, religiously and linguistically diverse mosaic of groups and communities, which for the most part have lived together in harmony and mutual respect. Nevertheless, over the past years, some States in the region have suffered episodes of intercommunal violence that, while exhibiting ethnic and religious dimensions, have root causes that are complex and multi-faceted. They are rarely based on ethnicity or religious factors alone. 77. The distinct status of indigenes and settlers and the unclear criteria to differentiate between them have frequently resulted in profound socioeconomic inequalities among citizens living in the same State. Many of those regarded as settlers have been living in a given State for generations and yet face insurmountable obstacles to exercise their rights to political participation at the local and State levels, access to public jobs, scholarships and land. This differentiated status has caused resentment among communities, contributed to fuelling tensions and paved the way towards episodes of violence. 78. The use of and competition for land has triggered many of the violent clashes among communities. The growing presence of pastoralists from the North in the Middle Belt region seeking grazing pastures for their livestock and the increasing cultivation of land by local farmers have resulted, in a number of cases, in violent intercommunal conflicts. The dynamics of these tensions and conflicts have grown in complexity when ethnic and religious affiliations of the groups involved have been mobilized. 79. Availability and exploitation of natural resources, and the impact of climate change in the North and Central regions, including desertification, droughts and food and water shortages, must be recognized as key issues and adequately addressed. The Government is urged to plan and implement coordinated National and State policies to fight the adverse effects of climate change and provide sustainable solutions to the use of land by different communities with competing lifestyles and livelihoods. 80. Federal and State Governments have acknowledged that socioeconomic factors, including poverty, high levels of illiteracy, unemployment and insufficient income levels are among the underlying causes fuelling tensions and violence among groups in the Middle Belt. Minorities are often among the most disadvantaged populations and experience the worst socioeconomic conditions. A comprehensive national plan against poverty and social exclusion should be urgently adopted, with clear objectives and specific benchmarks and timelines for completion. The plan should contain measures focused on the most vulnerable groups at the State and local levels, and include specific attention to the issues of minority women. 81. Members of Christian and Muslim communities reported what they perceived to be religiously motivated attacks against them. The Special Rapporteur is deeply concerned by the escalation of attacks by Boko Haram, which provides a distorted interpretation of religious principles to justify its violent actions. Leaders and members of the Muslim communities emphasized that Boko Haram represents neither Islam nor Islamic principles and that its attacks, including killings, kidnappings and destruction of properties, are also targeted against Muslims, are unacceptable and must be condemned. The Federal Government is urged to set up and implement as soon as possible a comprehensive security and prevention strategy to combat these unlawful actions by Boko Haram and/or other radical groups, in full compliance with human rights standards. 18