A/HRC/4/9/Add.3 page 12 35. A forum for Anuak and Nuer women to talk about their lives, issues and concerns highlighted the massive impact on individuals, families and communities, and on women in particular, of the ethnic conflicts, and the incidents of December 2003. The women talked of their despair over the fact that their Anuak sons and other male family members had either been killed or fled to avoid the killing and had not returned. They asked for help to convince their sons that it was safe to return to their communities. Many women face severe practical problems of daily survival, personal security, including the threat of rape, and loss of property in the absence of male members of their families. They spoke of the continuing trauma of their experiences and how their loss has left them in deep despair. 36. The regional president noted efforts by the Government7 to address inequalities and prevent conflict, and that it strives to achieve equal treatment in such fields as employment and education, and participation of all groups in government. When asked about the events in 2003, the Gambella president blamed “lack of good governance” as the major issue contributing to the problems and conflict. The previous regional government had failed to address the root causes of problems. Contrary to community representatives, the regional government did not consider land and resource issues to be a major factor in conflicts, but considered competition for political power a crucial motivating factor. A Nuer community leader stated that: “This Gambella government is working for peace, and local ethnic groups have made conferences … but we also need education, clinics, electricity and development.” 37. Representatives of the regional government noted that the granting of title to land was planned in Gambella through a new proclamation and law. While potentially providing greater security of land tenure, the independent expert cautioned that this should be sensitively conceived and implemented, to ensure fairness and avoid tensions over disputed lands and territories. It should not be a means to increase government revenues by imposing “title fees” upon those who have traditionally inhabited the land. 38. Since the 2003 events, the Gambella President had expanded his cabinet to include members of five different ethnic groups in key posts. The Anuak and the Nuer each hold seven cabinet posts, while the Majangir have three. In addition the number of seats on the regional council was increased from 55 to 82, to allow greater representation by different groups and reduce political competition. The Anuak and Nuer are allocated over 30 seats each. Local languages (Anuak, Nuer and Majangir) are taught in schools alongside Amharic and English, with some financial and technical support from the federal Government. The languages of smaller groups (Komo and Opo) are not commonly taught in Gambella schools. 39. The President noted that training and recruitment had been put in place to promote an ethnic balance in the regional police force. He noted that there are currently 480 Anuak, 400 Nuer and 100 highlander police officers, correcting a previous imbalance. Attempts to create similar balance in the regional judiciary had been initiated, although some communities, 7 The independent expert held consultations with the Gambella regional President and senior members of the Council, including the regional Supreme Court President, the head of the Justice Bureau, the Minister of Women’s Affairs, the Commissioner of Police (informal meeting) and representatives of the Bureau of Education, amongst others.