WORKING GROUP ON THE FOLLOW-UP TO THE SUMMIT OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT

OF THE GREAT LAKES COUNTRIES

UNESCO CONTRIBUTION IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DAR-ES-SALAAM DECLARATION

BIENNIUM – 2004-2005

ED-2006/WS/34

PREFACE

Within the framework of the implementation of its 2002-2007 medium-term strategy, UNESCO included the Dar-es-Salaam Declaration in its core priorities of action in Africa. This concretely implies that the activities of the Organization’s Programme Sectors, the UNESCO Africa Department, the Central Services and Field Offices, take into account the Declaration adopted by the Heads of State and Government of the Great Lakes region to attain their common regional vision. A common objective focused on alleviating poverty, promoting a harmonious regional development, preserving peace by means of dialogue and the consolidation of the processes of cooperation and regional integration. A Special Working Group on the follow-up to the Summit was set up during the preparatory phase of the first Summit to help revitalize and coordinate the UNESCO actions foreseen either within its Regular Programme or from Extrabudgetary funding sources at both Headquarters and Field Offices. This report is, therefore, a brief presentation of the first results of the activities of the Special Working Group. It helps to underscore the existing close links between UNESCO Programmes and the decisions contained in the Dar-es-Salaam Declaration. I should like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to the Programme Sectors, the Africa Department, the Field Offices, the Members and Chairman of the Special Working Group, for the quality of the work that has been so far accomplished. I would like to invite them to pursue and intensify their efforts in reinforcing UNESCO’s presence and contribution in this Great Lakes region that is so highly cherished by Africa and the world community at large.

Koïchiro Matsuura Director General of UNESCO

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South Africa

Algeria

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CONTENTS

I Introduction 1 II Priority Area I: Peace and Security 2

A. Support to national peace processes in the region 2 B. Actions in support of Disarmament, Demobilization and Rehabilitation 3 C. Protection of vulnerable populations and combating HIV/AIDS 3

III Priority Area II: Democracy and Good Governance 4

A. Development of democratic principles and norms for good governance and respect for human rights 4

B. Programmes on Freedom of expression and free flow of ideas and information 5

IV Priority Area III: Economic Development and Regional Integration 7

A. Incentive Financing (Small Group Projects) for the alleviation of poverty 7

B. Regional Cooperation in Culture and Tourism 7 C. Cooperation in the fields of Environment and World Heritage –

Management of National Parks and Ecosystems 9 D. Cooperation in Scientific Research 9 E. Regional Cooperation in Information and

Communication Technologies (NICT) 10 F. Cooperation in Education, Human Resources Management

and in reducing Brain Drain 11

1. EDUCATION 11 2. REDUCING BRAIN DRAIN 15 V Priority Area IV: Humanitarian and Social Issues 16 Conclusion 16 Annex I Members of the Working Group Annex II Dar-es-Salaam Declaration on the consolidation of Security, Stability and Development in the Great Lakes region I Preamble 2 II Vision 3 III Priority Policy options and Guiding Principles 3 IV Follow-up mechanism 8 V Final Provisions 9

Note of Appreciation

The 2004-2005 biennium report initiated by the UNESCO Working Group for the follow-up of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Great Lakes countries provides a global insight into the action of the Organization within the countries of the region, bearing in mind the Dar-es-Salaam Declaration adopted at the Summit of 20 November 2004. The information is deliberately confined to mentioning the main activities. Detailed information on the activities could be obtained from the exhaustive reports of the Programme Sectors and field offices of the region.

On behalf of the Working Group, I should like to thank the Director General of UNESCO, the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in the Great Lakes region and to the Representative of the African Union. Their advice and support facilitated the work of the Group.

I should also like to thank the Programme Sectors, Departments, Offices and Bureaus that actively participated in the various meetings of the Working Group and provided us with information on their activities during the 2004-2005 biennium. Many of them have included the follow-up of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Great Lakes countries in their 2006-2007 biennium work plan and are working hard to prepare new projects focused on the implementation of the Dar-es-Salaam Declaration. Professor Komlavi Francisco Seddoh Chairman of the Working Group in the Reconstruction of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Follow-up to the Summit of the Great Lakes

UNESCO Contribution in the implementation of

the Dar-es-Salaam Declaration on the Great Lakes Region INTRODUCTION I. 1. The Declaration adopted by the Summit of Heads of State and Government at

their meeting in Dar-es-Salaam from 19-20 November 2004 on the theme of Peace, Security, Democracy and Development in the Great Lakes region gave priority to fields, which are within UNESCO’s competence:

a) respect for values, principles and standards in the fields of Human Rights and

Democracy;

b) policies and programmes in civic education, freedom of expression and the free flow of ideas and information;

c) promotion of national unity policies based on multiculturalism, tolerance, and the

culture of peace and dialogue in building a common future on African universal cultural values ;

d) promotion of equality between men and women at all levels and in all fields;

e) regional cooperation in new information and communication technologies;

f) promotion of cooperation in scientific research;

g) reduction of brain drain;

h) harmonization of policies and regional mechanisms for environmental

management, notably, national parks and protected ecosystems in compliance with relevant international standards and conventions;

i) research for lasting solutions to problems of refugees and displaced populations

and their co-habitation with local populations;

j) creation of a fast regional early warning system and reaction to natural disasters of human origin;

k) strengthening of capacities for environmental restoration of zones deteriorated by

refugees and displaced populations;

l) prohibition of the enrolment of children into armed forces;

m) development of strategies for the prevention and combating the spread of pandemic diseases such as HIV/AIDS;

n) introduction of the culture of peace in school programmes.

2. This report recounts UNESCO’s contribution in the implementation of the Dar-es-Salaam Declaration through its programmes and activities during the 2004-2005 biennium.

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3. In expressing their collective determination to make the Great Lakes region, a zone that enjoys sustainable peace and security, political and social stability, shared economic growth and development goals, a zone of cooperation based on the strategies and policies of convergence for a common future, the Heads of State and Governments agreed to “build a Great Lakes region, open to other regions of the continent. The cooperation will focus on four priority areas, which include: peace and security, democracy and good governance, economic development and regional integration, and on other humanitarian and social issues”. 4. The present report reviews the four priority areas, the political options and the guiding principles governing the development and indicates UNESCO’s involvement in attaining the objectives in the region.

II. PRIORITY AREA I: PEACE AND SECURITY

UNESCO was involved in the following activities:

A. Support to national peace processes in the region:

(Article 17)

1. The decisions of the Libreville International Conference on Intercultural Dialogue and the Culture of Peace in Central Africa and the Great Lakes region, organized by UNESCO from 18-20 November 2005 in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Gabon, the International Organization of the Francophonie, the University Agency of the Francophonie, the French National Commission for UNESCO, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Omar Bongo University, Libreville, and the International Centre for Bantu Civilizations (ICBC) are fundamental guidelines for the implementation of the Dar-es-Salaam Declaration. 2. The Recommendations of the Conference include:

a) Recognizing the role and know-how of traditional and spiritual leaders in the prevention and resolution of conflicts;

b) Recognizing traditional and contemporary competences in creating a synergy

between traditional leaders, University experts and political decision-makers;

c) Recognizing the acceptance, of the foundations of the culture of peace as holistic values, attitudes and behaviors against violence, by the Central African and Great Lakes region countries;

d) The Central African countries must abstain from anything that could spur its

population into intolerance, aggression and whatsoever that could jeopardize neighborliness and other humanitarian values;

e) Development of traditional values of conviviality, solidarity, sharing, hospitality,

brotherhood and friendship, accepting differences and the recognition of otherness as the pillars of a new African socio-political order;

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f) Decision-makers should promote the culture of peace through the introduction of

cultural dialogue into school programmes and manuals for the prevention and resolution of conflicts, as well as tolerance and solidarity, which are fundamental values that have contributed in the survival of African societies;

g) Civic education, instrumental to living together, is essential in the education of

man and the citizen. It is an integral part of education for citizenship that could change diversity of cultures into a positive factor of mutual understanding between individuals and population groups;

h) Education in the culture of peace must be based on the understanding that

peace is possible and could be built;

i) The Media should refrain from disseminating ethno-centrist ideologies but participate effectively in the development of intercultural dialogue and the culture for peace;

j) Within the inter-cultural context, efforts must be made to create complementary

training Centres and Press Houses; develop proximity communication such as community multimedia and radio stations; ensure the mobility and security of Media professionals in conflict zones; and to provide assistance to independent Medias in conflict and post conflict zones.

B. Actions in support of Disarmament, Demobilization and Rehabilitation

(Article 25)

1. Environmental Education

In several countries of the region, (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Zambia) UNESCO/PEER activities focused on the awareness and training of refugees on the preservation of the environment – Environmental Education (EE), Awareness on Environmental problems (EA). On several occasions, training and awareness activities were combined (EE/EA) as well as the production of teaching aids. The activities were organized in cooperation with the UNHCR.

2. Emergency methods

Organization of two training workshops on emergency methods, in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo:

Method for each subject; Child and youth psychology; Psychological support for distressed children victims.

C. Protection of vulnerable populations and combating HIV/AIDS

(Article 27)

1. Gender issues

Organization of a meeting from 30 May to 04 June 2005 in Addis-Ababa on the self-sufficiency of women in the Great Lakes region. This meeting of experts on Gender issues reviewed the theme: “Violence, Peace and Leadership of Women”. In order to propose a plan of action to be undertaken by the UNESCO Sector for

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Social and Human Sciences, the meeting identified the needs of the women in the region. The meeting called on UNESCO to help create a Documentation and Research Centre on women in the Great Lakes region. The UNESCO Office in Harare closely follows up the project in collaboration with the International Commission for Follow-up. The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region and the Commissioner in charge of Social Affairs of the African Union were both present at the Addis-Ababa meeting.

2. Combating the HIV/AIDS

Several projects were undertaken:

i. Organization by the Nairobi cluster (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda) of a series of four

symposia on: education – in face of HIV/AIDS pandemics. These exchanges enabled the interested countries to come up with strategic plans of action in this field, particularly in the training of teachers;

ii. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the following activities were

implemented:

o Reform of school programmes, particularly the existing pre-primary, primary and secondary school programmes. The prevention of HIV/AIDS is now integrated into the school programmes.

o Training of 35 trainers at the central level who in turn trained 427

teachers and educators. This was a joint venture between the UNESCO Regional Office for Education in Africa (BREDA) and the UNESCO National Commission.

o Publication and distribution at school of the integrated programmes for

the prevention of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases.

o Development of School Manuals for Primary Schools in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

III PRIORITY AREA II - DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

A. Development of democratic principles and norms for good governance and respect for human rights:

Democracy and Human Rights

(Para.28)

i. Publications on Democracy and Development.

• State of the arts of Democracy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

• Surveys on Democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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ii. Assistance to the UNESCO Chair on the Culture of Peace and Human Rights at the University of Kinshasa;

• Publication of a book entitled: “Learning to understand Human Rights

better” by the UNESCO Chair;

• Workshop on the integration of Human Rights in School Programmes in the D.R.C. (21-23 December 2004) by the UNESCO Chair;

• Seminar in Lubumbashi on military-civilian relations (28-30 January 2005)

by the UNESCO Chair.

iii. Seminar from 9-11 March 2005 on the creation of a regional Network on Human Rights by the Sector for Social and Human Sciences in co-operation with the UNESCO Chair on Human Rights and Democracy, at the University of Addis Ababa. Several participants from countries of the Great Lakes region including: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and Uganda attended.

iv. Forum for Ministers for Social Development from 25-27 November 2004

organized in collaboration with the two sub-regions of West Africa (ECOWAS) and Southern Africa (SADC). Several countries of the Great Lakes region were represented: Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia.

B. Programmes on Freedom of expression and free flow of ideas and

information

Strengthening of democracy, good governance and the materialization of independent Medias

(Articles 30 and 33)

i. UGANDA

Creation of a Network of Community Multimedia Centres. (Project: 517-

UGA-5060). US$ 167,000.00. Financed by Belgium.

ii. RWANDA

Creation of a Radio Station to help in the strengthening of capacities, and in the promotion of democracy, freedom of expression and free flow of ideas and information. (Project: 551 RWA 5000). US$ 60,000.00 – Financed by Japan and 350,000.00€ by the European Union.

iii. RWANDA AND BURUNDI

Press Houses in Rwanda and Burundi.

The support of the UNESCO Sector for Communication and Information includes the organization of a series of training activities in Kigali and Bujumbura to enhance the competence of Journalists in the two countries.

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The project also gave local Journalists access to Internet and to the creation of a network of competences.

The Press Houses are assembly houses where Media Professionals meet,

analyze, comment and discuss subjects and events of common interest to their respective countries and to the region as a whole.

o 2004-2005 Budget:

- Press House in Rwanda: US$ 17,500.00 - Press House in Burundi: US$ 12,500.00.

iv. TANZANIA

Training of Television professionals to improve their competence and the

quality of the national television. (Project: “Tlelevisheni ya taifa – PIDC) (552-URT-500) – Financed by Japan – US$ 75,710.00.

v. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

The Sector for Communication and the Kinshasa Office carried out several

activities: a) Development of Free and Independent Medias

Completion and publication of the National Press Master Plan for the reform

and development of pluralist and independent Media in the Democratic Republic of the Congo;

Within the framework of the World Day for Free Press a workshop was

organized on the links between the Media and good governance;

In collaboration with the Organization of Central African Medias (OMAC) warning network, provided assistance to NGO Journalists in danger for the defense and promotion of a free-flow of information;

Support to the Ministry of Information and Press in preparing draft documents

on the judicial reform of the Medias sector.

b) Development of professional capacities

Various training courses including written and audio-visual records; Community Radio Animators; condition of Journalists in time of war; reporting on elections and referenda in collaboration with the Medias High Commission (HAM).

c) Media participation in electoral processes

Publication of a Practical Guide for Journalists during elections in

partnership with the Congolese Media Observatory (OMEC);

Training of Media Coordinators in the suburbs of Kinshasa;

Support for Women Media Professionals at electoral periods with the synergy: “Women-Medias”. Financed by Belgium – US$ 136,000.00 in 2005.

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d) Strengthening of Community Radio Stations

Supplied Computer hardware; Supply of solar radio stations for Community Radio Clubs.

IV. PRIORITY AREA III: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REGIONAL

INTEGRATION

A. Incentive Financing (Small Group Projects) for the alleviation of poverty – (Art.41)

o Assistance to several young research students for contributing to the

development strategies for the alleviation of poverty. African countries received a donation of US$ 320,000.00.

B. Regional cooperation in Culture and Tourism

(Article 45)

1. International conference on intercultural dialogue and the culture of peace in

Central Africa and the Great Lakes region. Libreville, Gabon – 18-20 November 2003.

2. Mission to five Central African countries on the theme of slavery (Congo

Brazzaville, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sao Tome and Principe).

3. Sub-regional forum on the condition of Pygmies in Central Africa and the

perspectives of their reintegration (Foreseen in March 2006 in Kinshasa). 4. Publication of a book on the: “Condition of indigenous pygmies (Batwa) in the

D.R.C. Conditions and human rights”. 5. Promotion of living arts and cultural enterprises in the D.R.C in cooperation

with the NGOs. Support for the social rehabilitation of marginalized young talents through the profession of arts;

6. Strengthening of professional capacities of Museums in the D.R.C. and the

preservation of cultural heritage. 7. Preparation of the first International Festival of African Languages (FESTILA)

in November 2004. 8. Update of the fundamental text on intellectual property in the DRC in

collaboration with the National Society for Copyright (SONECA), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC).

9. Sub-regional activity: Seminar on Culture and development for East Africa

with cultural contractors’ workshops for Central Africa – March 2005, Nairobi, Kenya

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10. Regional activity: Support for the preparation of the January 2006 Summit of the African Union. Financed by UNESCO: US$160,000.00 from the regular programme and extrabudgetary funds.

11. Tanzania: Participation of an official of the University of Dar-es-Salaam to

the pre-forum for the International Congress on Cultural Rights and Human Development – Maputo, March 2004. Financing from Regular programme: US$12,000.00.

12. Uganda: World Camp International Theatre on HIV/AIDS prevention and

care. October 2005. Financing: extrabudgetary sources: US$10,000.00.

13. DRC: Theatre and HIV/AIDS. Financing: Regular Programme – US$10,000.00.

14. Gabon: TIC for Intercultural Dialogue – Develop the communication

capacities of indigenous cultures. January-November 2005. Financing: Regular Programme – US$10,000.00.

15. Burundi: National seminar on the introduction of Copyright, Neighbouring

rights and their joint management. April and August 2005. Financing: Regular Programme – US$6,000.00.

16. DRC: Strengthening of human and managerial capacities of Copyright

Management Institutions, 2004. Financing: Regular Programme: US$2,000.00.

17. 5 subregional workshops for the promotion, information and implementation

of the following normative instruments: the Convention for the preservation of cultural properties in times of armed conflicts and its two protocols; the Convention on the measures to be taken to prohibit and stop the import, export and the transfer of illicit property of cultural properties; the UNIRIGHT Convention; Convention on the Preservation of Sub aquatic Cultural Heritage; the Convention for the safeguard of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Financing: Regular Programme – US$165,900.00

18. Central African Republic: The Oral Traditions of Aka Pygmees in Central

Africa: Dec. 2004 – March 2007. Financing: Japanese FIT : US$203 384 19. Music: Sudan: Preservation of the endangered objects of the national

museum in Khartoum and prehistoric artefacts of Gebel Barkal, Sudan – Feb 2005 – June 2006 – Ext: US contribution: US$ 230 000

20. Kenya: Preservation of endangered cultural assets of Swahili, Taita, Miji,

Kenda, Pokomo, Waata, Dahalo and Boini people in coastal regions of Kenya. – Oct:2004 – May 2007; US contribution: US$ 230 000

21. Sudan: Wadi Halfa Nubia Museum Project – 2005 ongoing. Financing:

Regular Programme: US$ 15 000, Extrabudgetary. US$100 000

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C. Cooperation in the fields of Environment and World Heritage – Management of National Parks and Ecosystems

(Article 44, Article 45, Article 50)

International Conference on the protection of World Heritage sites in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - September 2004. The Conference focused on the following priority areas: Promotion of the wealth, natural and cultural diversity in the D.R.C; through

the exhibition entitled: “Congo - Nature and Culture”,

Drawing the attention of the international community on the urgent need to continue to protect the five world heritage sites at risk;

Building the awareness of the private sector on the need to support

UNESCO and its partners in the protection of biodiversity and establishing grounds for future co-operation between the business world and the Organizations for the preservation of ecological diversity;

Fund raising for the implementation of Phase II of the project on

"conservation of biodiversity in armed conflict zones”. At the international conference, several UNESCO partners announced their readiness to provide financial contributions. They include the (European Union, the World Bank, UNDP/GEF, Germany, USAID/CARPE, Belgium, and Italy). Their pledges amount to US$ 40 million.

D. Cooperation in Scientific Research

(Article 47)

Several activities were implemented in the Great Lakes countries:

1. UGANDA, KENYA, TANZANIA, SUDAN, ETHIOPIA

Execution of the “Friends of the Nile” project. Strengthening of capacities and establishing a network of competences in the Nile Valley countries for the promotion of sustainable development in the region and for ensuring sufficient water supply for the industrial, agricultural and municipal sectors. Project 513 RAB 2042 – Financed by Belgium: US$ 929,700.00.

2. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

i. Regional Project – Postgraduate training in integrated management of tropical

forests. Financed by Belgium: US$ 500,000.00.

ii. SIMDAS Project – Integrated management and sustainable development of arid and semi-arid zones of Southern Africa.

- Several countries of the Great Lakes region are involved in the project.

They are: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.

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iii. Creation of a network for research workers in Remote-sensing and its applications in ecosystems and water management. (UNESCO Cross Cutting Project).

iv. Organization of the first national convention on scientific and technological

research in the Democratic Republic of the Congo/

Institutional Reform; Strategic Development Plan; Development Projects on contract basis; Law on scientific and technological research and on the status of the

research personnel.

3. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO, RWANDA, UGANDA

Creation of a cross border site for peace focused on Great Apes (GRAFP) and the promotion of ecotourism in the sub-region, including Virunga in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the volcanoes (biosphere reserve in Rwanda and the dense Burundi Forest (World heritage site in Uganda). Financed by Belgium - US$ 52,560.00 (2005-2006).

4. “ODKA” (OKAVANGO – DELTA-KALAHARI ECOSYSTEM) PROJECT

Hydrology and Ecology (PH1 and MAB) in the fourteen countries of SADC, 3 of which are from the Great Lakes region: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia.

5. KENYA, TANZANIA

ODINAFRICA III project – African integrated ocean observatory. The objective of the project is to create a Pan African Network of Coastal Observatory stations providing data for the “African Ocean Data Information Network”. Financing: US$ 3.53 million from Belgium within the framework of UNESCO/Flanders co-operation for science development.

E. Regional cooperation in New Information and Communication

Technologies (NICT) (Article 45)

1. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

i. Creation of a Pedagogical Training Centre at the National Pedagogical University. The objective of the Centre is to train a group of trainers, and trainers of trainers through distance education.

Three workshops were organized in 2005 in the following areas:

- the use of TELJE platform; - the introduction of online courses.

ii. Training of a nucleus of Media Professionals particularly women in the use of

Computer and the Windows environment.

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iii. Organisation of an Inter-University competition on the creation of Web sites. This project was organized within the framework of co-operation between the African Information Network (RINAF), the Addis Ababa and Kinshasa UNESCO Offices.

2. THE GREAT LAKES REGION NETWORK

The Sector for Communication initiated a draft project for the creation of a Network of Pedagogical Resource Centres in the Great Lakes region. The project is being tested in the Democratic Republic of the Congo through the creation of a Pedagogical Training Centre at the National Pedagogical University.

F. Cooperation in Education, Human Resources Management and in reducing

Brain Drain

(Article 47)

1. EDUCATION

i. BURUNDI

a) Several projects were implemented with the Belgian Funds in Trust within the framework of Education for All.

o Supply of learning materials to less privileged children;

-Project 517 BDI 1010. Budget US$ 210,081.00 -Project 517 BDI 1001. Budget US$ 219,317.00

o Vocational training for young school drop-outs.

-Project 517 BDI 1000. Budget US$ 343,950.00

b) Organisation of a roundtable for Donors by Burundi. This project, which was

implemented in 2003 contributed to the rewriting of the history of Burundi consequent upon the Arusha Peace Agreement.

- Project 551 BDI 1000. Japanese funding: US$ 45,000.00

c) Support project for the strengthening of capacities of Secondary School

Teachers.

- Project 552 BDI 1000. Japanese funding: US$ 225,576.00

ii. ANGOLA

a) Assistance in the rehabilitation of young people, children and adults in compliance with the objectives of Education for All.

Project 552 ANG 1000. Budget of US$ 249,720.00 from Japanese

Funds-in-Trust.

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b) Support to literacy and strengthening of capacities of teachers in their specific fields.

The objective of the project is to reconstruct the education system in Angola and to develop teaching methods for deaf children in order to eradicate communication barriers using language signs.

The two projects amounting to US$ 1,000,000.00 are financed by

Italy.

iii. REPUBLIC OF CONGO BRAZZAVILLE

Support for the organization of a national Forum on Education.

Project 551 RPC 1000 – Budget of US$ 56,500.00 financed by the Japanese FIT.

iv. THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

a) Postgraduate course in integrated forest management.

Project 517 DRC 2000 – Budget US$ 405,408.00 financed by

Belgium.

b) Strengthening of capacities for secondary school teachers in the GOMA region. Training of unqualified trainers and supply of teaching materials.

Project 552 DRC 1001 – Budget: US$ 113,000.00 financed by

Japanese FIT.

c) Training of Inspectors of Education.

Training of Teachers and Trainers of Trainers within the framework of the objectives of Education for All.

Project 552 DRC 1000 – Budget: US$ 226,000.00

d) In 2004, a fact-finding mission of UNESCO/PEER (Programme for the

training of Refugees and Repatriates on Environmental Education) visited the DRC at the request of UNHCR, Kinshasa. The mission organized two training seminars and proposed methods of awareness of the refugees in environmental education in occupied zones.

In 2005, the implementation of the awareness project in environmental education began in the Bas Congo region. It is envisaged that the equipment produced in course of this experience will be utilised in new training sessions in 2006.

e) Production of 2000 copies of a training manual on environment education

and the development of an educational programme on peace (PEP).

The Kingdom of Norway supports this UNESCO/PEER programme.

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f) UNESCO/PEER also contributed in the publication of manuals in vocational apprenticeship (sewing, carpentry and woodworks courses) and in adult literacy. (Literacy book in Kiswahili).

g) Several activities were organized by UNESCO/Kinshasa with the financial

support of the United States of America and Japan:

Finalizing the National Action Plan on Education for All (EFA); Major Plan for the development of Vocation and Technical Education; Support in the implementation of the Agreement on the modernisation of

Higher Education; Preparation of a policy document on the training of trainers; Improvement of scientific experiments through micro-science in school; Basic and life-long training of Inspectors of Education with the

cooperation of the National Pedagogical University (UPN); Training of 1,148 School Headmasters in collaboration with SERNAFOR. Production and distribution of basic educational materials ; National programmes for primary education (60,000 copies); Integrated education programmes for the prevention of HIV/AIDS and

DST in school (2,000 copies); General secondary education programmes in the following subjects:

French, Mathematics, History, Geography, Chemistry, Biology and Pedagogy;

Teaching materials for literacy in three (3) national languages (Lingala,

Kikongo and Tshiluba).

These activities in 2004 and 2005 were financed respectively by the United States of America – US$ 1,000,000.00 and by Japan – US$ 226,000.00.

h) ADB/UNESCO Project:

The African Development Bank and UNESCO jointly implemented an educational support programme in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The objective of this project which is scheduled for 30 months is to reinforce efficiency in fields of statistics and education planning. Furthermore, the project includes the training of trainers – 11,000 Teachers, 600 Inspectors of Education and 20 Literacy Teachers.

The project is estimated at 5 million accounting units. To be financed in 30 months by ADB donation.

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v. ANGOLA, LESOTHO, NAMIBIA, SOUTH AFRICA AND SWAZILAND

The objectives of the project include the strengthening of capacities in combating HIV/AIDS and providing access to quality education for vulnerable children and orphans.

Project 534 RAF 1006 – Budget: US$ 316,400.00 financed by Italy.

vi. KENYA

a) Mobilizing the communities to participate in achieving Education for All and the millennium development goals.

Project – 552 KEN 1000 – Budget: US$ 204,310.00 financed by the

Japanese FIT.

b) Support for the national education programme on the prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Project – 552 KEN 1003 – Budget: US$ 204,310.00.

vii. SUDAN

a) Preparation of a major programme for stimulating and developing basic education in Sudan. The project is jointly implemented with UNDP.

Project – 551 SUD 1000 – Budget: US$ 97,000.00 financed by Japan.

b) Training of basic education trainers in Sudan.

Budget US$ 226,000.00

viii. UGANDA

Preparation of a Runyankore-Rukiga-English Dictionary for the promotion of national languages in Rwanda.

Budget – US$ 55,545.00 financed by Japan.

ix. TANZANIA

a) Strengthening of capacities in 21 regional centres and at the Campus of the

Tanzanian Open University.

Training of Directors of the regional centres and the academic staff using TICs.

Project – 552 URT 1001. Budget: US$ 100,000.00 financed by the Japanese FIT.

b) Alternative approach to formal primary education for the training of children

outside school.

Project – 552 URT 1000 – Budget: US$ 100,000.00 financed by the Japanese FIT.

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x. KENYA AND THE CLUSTER COUNTRIES OF NAIROBI – RWANDA, UGANDA AND THE PARTICIPATION OF BURUNDI

Development of quality assurance mechanism that adapts the goals, practices and the basic education results to the needs of the individual, community and society needs.

Project 534 RAF 1005 – Budget: US$ 200,000.00 financed by the Italian government.

xi. TANZANIA, ZAMBIA, ETHIOPIA, MOZAMBIQUE

Strengthening of technical capacities in planning and strategic intervention. Assistance in the preparation of educational policies and programmes.

Project 534 RAF 1002 - Budget: US$ 600,000.00 financed by the Italian government.

xii. GREAT LAKES COUNTRIES

United Nations appeal for the Great Lakes region. Participation of the RHC and UNICEF. The objective is to promote the rights of children and young people in precarious situations in order to provide them with quality education and to build peace through basic education and vocational training.

Project RAF 1001 – Budget: US$ 301,864.00 financed by Norway.

xiii. ZAMBIA WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF SWAZILAND, MALAWI AND MOZAMBIQUE

HIV/AIDS and education in Southern Africa. Strengthening of national capacities of education systems in the SADC countries.

Project 517 RAF 1010 – Budget: US$ 710,851.00 financed by Belgium.

2. REDUCING BRAIN DRAIN

An international conference was organised in Nairobi from 6-8 February 2006 on the theme: “Return of competences to Africa”. Transforming brain drain to brain gain with the contribution of the Diaspora in training and quality research. The meeting was attended by several countries of the Great Lakes region – Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, and Uganda. The working document, which was prepared by UNESCO, enabled the participants to come up with concrete proposals on the problem of brain drain in Africa. A draft project on basic sciences to be financed by Hewlett-Packard is in preparation.

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V. PRIORITY AREA IV: HUMANITARIAN AND SOCIAL ISSUES

A) Easing the negative effects of prolonged presence of refugees

(Article 62) THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO UNESCO/PEER implemented a project on the use of the Medias as means of holistic and participative approach in achieving the objectives of the millennium. The project focuses on the interaction between the three main components of the society – the State or Local Government, the Civil Society and the Medias. The Medias provides information on all aspects and needs of the society – health, education, protection, employment, environment, governance, and human rights. B) Respect for Human Rights

Facing natural calamities. Support for women and strategies for the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Use the millennium development goals (MDG) as bottom-line for the development of integrated policies for the alleviation of poverty.

(Article 56, Article 65, Article 67, Article 71, Article 72) Several activities mentioned in the preceding priority areas cover most of the fields.

CONCLUSION This brief summary of activities initiated by the UNESCO Programme Sectors, field offices and Institutes during the 2004-2005 biennium shows that the Organization supports, within the framework of its fields of competence, the determination of the Heads of State and Government of the Great Lakes region to transform their region into a peaceful and sustainable development space, an indispensable factor for harmonious development. Additional activities have been foreseen for the 2006-2007 biennium. The Organization is pleased to place its experience and expertise at the disposal of the Pact on Security, Stability and Development that will be adopted at the Second Summit of Heads of State and Government to be held in Nairobi, in September 2006. Annex I: Members of the Working Group Annex II: Dar-es-Salaam Declaration

Annex I

Members of the Working Group on the Follow-up to the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Great Lakes Region

Chairperson: Professor Komlavi.F. Seddoh Secretary: Ms. Eva Sankale, AFR/CEO Members: M. J. Ahanhanzo, COI M. E. Adubra, ED/STV M. A. Arata, ERC/CFS/FIT M. J. Banda, ODG M. K. Bensalah, ED/EPS/CCR M. A. Boualat, ERC/CFS/FIT M. Rene P. Cluzel, CI/INF/IS Mme Sylvie Coudray CI/FED M. G. Debonnet, CLT/WHC M. A. Diallo AFR/ORP Ms. Suzanne Diop CLT/CPD/CAD Mme. A-L. Folly-Reimann, BFC Mme. M. Goucha, SHS/FPH/PHS M. D. Hamrol-Bedogni, ED/EPS Ms. Yvette Kaboza CLT/WHC M. M. Mankoto, SC/EES M. L. Marmoz, ED/HED M. Lupwishi Mbuyamba UNESCO, Maputo M. H. Mputu ED/DFU M. C. Ndombi, CLT/CPD M. Ould Khattar, CLT/CH M. C. Overbeck, ERC/CFS/FIT M. Pierre Runner, IIEP Mme. Saidou-Djermakoye, BSP M. Max Schott, SHS/FPH/PHS Secretariat: Mrs. Zenobia Niamke, BFC/EO M. John Emele Field Offices in the Great Lakes Region: M. Cheikh Tidiane Sy Director, UNESCO, Dar-es-Salaam M. Paul Vitta, Director, UNESCO, Nairobi M. Joseph Massaquoi, UNESCO, Nairobi Ms. Catherine Okai UNESCO, Kinshasa M. K.F. Seddoh -idem- M. Boubacar Diarra “ M. Juma Shabani, Director, UNESCO, Harare Ms Claudia Harvey, Director, UNESCO, Windhoek M. Mohammed Djelid Head, UNESCO, Bujumbura M. Colin Nicholls, UNESCO, Bujumbura Ms. Robertine Raonimahary Head, UNESCO Brazzaville M. M. Devadoss UNESCO, PEER

Annex II

International Conference on Peace, Security, Democracy and Development in the Great Lakes Region

First Summit of Heads of State and Government Dar-Es-Salaam, 19-20 November 2004

DAR-ES-SALAAM DECLARATION ON PEACE, SECURITY, DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT IN

THE GREAT LAKES REGION

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I. PREAMBLE

1. We, the Heads of State and Government of Member countries of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, meeting in Dar-Es-Salaam, on 19 and 20 November 2004, under the auspices of the United Nations and the African Union; 2. Deeply concerned about the endemic conflicts and persistent insecurity caused or aggravated by, inter alia, economic stagnation and poverty aggravation, mistrust and suspicion between governments, massive violations of human rights and other policies of exclusion and marginalization, gender inequality, use of violence for conquering and conserving power, impunity of crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons, proliferation of armed groups, organized crime and illegal exploitation of natural resources; recognizing the efforts undertaken at national, regional and international level to resolve these endemic problems; 3. Recalling that the causes of conflict and insecurity in the region can also be found in our history, including, inter alia, pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial eras; 4. Aware of the need to respect democracy and good governance, the fundamental principles enshrined in the UN Charter and the Constitutive Act of the AU such as territorial integrity, sovereignty, non-interference and non-aggression, prohibition of any Member State from allowing the use of its territory as a base for aggression and subversion against another Member State, as well as the need for effective and sustained political will to jointly seek peaceful solutions and especially to honour our commitments in a spirit of mutual trust; 5. Conscious that the crises and conflicts affecting one country can rapidly spread to another, and even to the entire region, owing to the close links existing between our peoples; 6. Deeply concerned about the humanitarian and social consequences of crises and armed conflicts especially violations of the human rights of women, children, the elderly, the disabled and youth, the recruitment and use of child soldiers in armed conflicts, the sexual violence and exploitation of girls and women and their use as sexual slaves, the forced displacement of populations, the vulnerability of communities living at the borders, the destruction of basic services, especially the health and education infrastructures, the food insecurity and subsequent malnutrition of populations, the degradation of the eco-system and human settlements, and the strain on the allocation of national resources between the security and social sectors; 7. Concerned about eh impact of armed conflicts on the environments, particularly the effect of refugees and internally displaced persons on the degradation of the ecosystem of the Congo River Basin and the African Great Lakes region, and fully aware of the link between peace, environment and development; 8. Deeply concerned over the lack of full application of essential legal instruments contained in International Humanitarian Law and some basic principles, notably those concerning refugees and displaced persons, leading to serious breached in the protection of, and delivery of humanitarian assistance to, affected populations; 9. Concerned over the HIV/AIDS scourge, the spread of Malaria, Tuberculosis and other infectious diseases, the high illiteracy rate, and their consequences on human development; 10. Aware of the lag in economic development and regional integration linked to, among other factors, unsound policy choices, mixed results of structural adjustment programmes, the mismanagement of public resources, the unsustainable debt burden and the destructive effects of war;

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11. Considering that the discrimination against women, particularly at decision-making levels, in the areas of peace and security, democracy and political, economic and social governance calls for a deliberate, immediate and sustainable redress; 12. Aware of the fact that the political leaders need to work individually and collectively towards reconstruction and development of the region and to promote a future of peace, stability and prosperity; 13. Convinced that the best way to build a viable future for all is through re-establishment of interstate and intrastate relations based on trust, revitalization of cooperation and integration, within the framework of a regional and inclusive vision for the promotion of sustainable peace, security, democracy and development;

II. VISION

14. Declare our collective determination to transform the Great Lakes Region into a space of sustainable peace and security for States and peoples, political and social stability, share growth and development, a space of cooperation based on the strategies and policies of convergence within the framework of a common destiny which we are determined to build, in line with the aspirations of our peoples, in conformity also with the AU Vision and Mission, with the full participation of all our peoples, and in partnership with the United Nations, the African Union, and the International Community as a whole; 15. Reaffirm our commitment to achieving this common destiny with strict compliance to the UN Charter, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, as well as all relevant international and regional legal instruments; 16. Commit ourselves to build a Great Lakes Region that is open to other regions of the Continent, by building our cooperation on priority areas: Peace and Security, Democracy and Good Governance, Economic Development and Regional Integration, Humanitarian and Social Issues and to achieve our vision through the priority policy options, guiding principles and mechanisms hereunder;

III. PRIORITY POLICY OPTIONS AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES

PEACE and SECURITY

Commit ourselves to: 17. Fully support the national peace processes in the region and refrain from any acts, statements or attitudes likely to negatively impact them, including through the media; 18. Strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation, through the adoption and effective implementation of Non-Aggression and Common Defense Pacts; 19. Establish an effective regional security framework for the prevention, management and peaceful settlement of conflicts and, to this end, evaluate regularly relevant sub-regional initiatives and mechanisms and adapt them while encouraging appropriate traditional structures;

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20. Fight genocide in the Great Lakes Region and hereby undertake to neutralize, disarm, arrest and transfer to relevant international tribunals the perpetrators of genocide, including the forces that committed genocide in Rwanda in 1994 and any such other forces that may occur in future in accordance with the 1948 Genocide Convention and relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions. 21. Strengthen cooperation in the area of defense and security and promote confidence building by establishing policies, measures and mechanisms aimed at enhancing good neighbourliness and multi-sectoral cooperation; 22. Promote common policies to put an end to the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, as well as anti-personnel mines and, in that regard, harmonize and ensure the implementation of existing agreements and mechanisms; 23. Ensure security at common borders within the context of trans-border proximity management strategies, in consultation with the populations of these areas; 24. Prevent any direct or indirect support, delivery of arms or any other forms of assistance to armed groups operating in the region, and deny use of any territory by armed groups to carry out acts of aggression or subversion against other Member States; 25. Adopt and implement, in an effective and sustainable way, national disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes (DDR) and, where applicable, ensure regional coordination for repatriation and resettlement components (DDRRR), taking into account the special needs of former child soldiers and female ex-combatants; 26. Intensify the fight against trans-border crime and terrorism and, to this end, implement measures against impunity through regional mechanisms set up to monitor the enforcement of relevant international Conventions; 27. Protect vulnerable groups, women, children, the elderly, the disabled and the sick, the refugees and displaced persons, involving them in our peace efforts, addressing issues of sexual violence, implementing a Regional Strategy against the HIV/AIDS pandemic as a peace and security issue, in conformity with the relevant regional and international political and legal mechanisms, including Resolutions 1308 and 1325 of the United Nations Security Council, creating conditions for protecting the youth from all sorts of manipulation, particularly during armed conflicts;

DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

Commit ourselves to: 28. Promote, in our States and in the region, policies and strategies based on respect of values, principles and norms of democracy and good governance, as well as observance of human rights; 29. Combat all discriminatory ideologies, policies and practices and any acts of genocide, massacres, terrorism, racism, ethnicism, exclusion, as well as any other forms of violence or crime; 30. Develop common policies and programmes in civic education, free movement of persons, freedom of expression and free exchange of ideas and information; 31. Promote policies of national unity based on multiculturalism, tolerance, the culture of peace and dialogue, to build a common destiny on shared African cultural values;

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32. Put in place national and regional policies based on democracy and good governance aimed at consolidating the rule of law, building capacity in leadership, ensuring the transparency of electoral processes, strengthening the efficiency of legal and security services, promoting new Information and Communication Technologies (ICT); 33. Promote effective participation of the different socioeconomic actors, specifically the private sector, civil society, women and youth in the consolidation of democracy and good governance, particularly through the promotion of good governance at local level, and the emergence of independent and responsible media; 34. Encourage the Member States of the Conference to adhere to the NEPAD African Peer Review Mechanism and establish regional bodies on adherence to international conventions on human rights and on criminal practices such as illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons and on the illegal exploitation of natural resources in the Great Lakes Region; 35. Adopt deliberate policies and mechanisms for promoting gender equality at all levels and in all sectors, at the national and regional levels, in accordance with the Millennium Declaration, the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000), the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa, the Beijing Platform for Action and the African Union’s Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa; 36. Encourage political and legal cooperation between States of the region to address crimes, particularly genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and terrorism;

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION Commit ourselves to: 37. Promote a shared vision of economic development and regional integration that supports comprehensive and sustainable development; 38. Attain regional integration through working towards the harmonization of economic cooperation instruments, and adopt strategies for macro-economic convergence, and the implementation of regional policies for the free movement of people, goods and services; 39. Cooperate in enhancing economic growth through economic integration and addressing the major challenges faced by the countries, particularly by incorporating an integrated strategy to ensure regional reconstruction of productive sectors and infrastructure; 40. Establish or strengthen regional legal, administrative and institutional frameworks and develop capacity for regional integration; 41. Build a unified economic space for enhanced economic efficiency and for the eradication of poverty, and achieving sustainable economic development; 42. Promote growth and development through revitalization and harmonization of existing regional integration organizations and the establishment of trans-border poles/zones; 43. Adopt regional policies for the promotion of a vibrant, socially responsible private sector within an environment that is conducive to investments through, inter alia, a mechanism for the integration of the informal sector into the mainstream economy;

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44. Promote regional policies and strategies for the diversification and enhancement of sources of income, competitiveness of productive sectors, rational management of land resources, sustained and sound management of vital regional natural and environmental resources such as aquatic ecosystems, mineral deposits and forests of the Congo Basin, as well as sustainable human settlements; 45. Promote regional cooperation in trade, monetary policies, energy, transport, tourism, culture, environment, Information and Communication Technologies, as well as in telecommunications, with an emphasis on railways, oil pipelines, submarine cables and optic fiber network interconnections; 46. Elaborate a regional strategy for the development of agriculture, fisheries, livestock breeding and agro-industry, as well as irrigation policies aimed at reducing dependence on rainfall patterns and climatic changes; 47. Promote cooperation in scientific research and in the social sector, particularly in the fields of education and health, with a view to harmonizing programmes or policies, promoting exchange, fostering rational management of human resources, curbing brain drain and improving living conditions; 48. Formulate national and regional policies that promote the employment of women and youth and develop appropriate regional financing mechanisms so as to give them more access to micro-finance institutions, investment opportunities in trade and control of factors of production such as land, property and capital; 49. Formulate policies and strategies for increased added value through the processing of our raw material and promote knowledge-based activities, as well as service industries, such as tourism, banking and insurance; 50. Harmonize regional policies and mechanisms for the management of the environment, especially of national parks and protected ecosystems, in respect of international conventions and norms on the matter; 51. Pursue a collective regional strategy on enhanced access to international markets as well as accelerated integration of the regional market; 52. Adopt, promote and support the formulation of balanced rural and urban development strategies and policies at national and regional levels; 53. Engage the International Community, especially the UN and all its agencies, the AU and relevant Regional Economic Communities, International Financial Institutions, the Group of Friends of the Great Lakes Region and other Development Partners, to support the countries of the region in declaring the Great Lakes Region a “Specific Reconstruction and Development Area” with a Special Fund for Reconstruction and, within this framework, pledge to mobilize resources available in the region; 54. Strongly appeal to partners for total debt cancellation given the special post-conflict problems of reconstruction and development in the region; 55. Establish and strengthen national and regional mechanisms to mainstream gender issues in all sectors of economic development;

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HUMANITARIAN AND SOCIAL ISSUES Commit ourselves to: 56. Strictly comply with obligations and principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and ratify, implement at the national level and operationalise all relevant and related international and regional human rights instruments; 57. Comply with the obligations and principles of the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1969 OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa; 58. Respect and use the Guiding Principles on Internally Displaced Persons as proposed by the UN Secretariat, harmonize all the relevant pieces of legislation and define a national and regional framework for the monitoring and follow-up of the standards contained therein and which relate to the access and protection of disaster victims, internally displaced persons, women and children who are victims of conflicts; 59. Strictly adhere to the norms and principles of International Humanitarian Law and related conventions, inter-alia the Geneva Conventions of 1949, on the protection of civilians in times of conflict and the provision of humanitarian assistance, including full and free access to all persons requiring assistance; 60. Guarantee the safety of humanitarian personnel in accordance with the 1994 Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel, and Resolution 1502 of the United Nations Security Council, with the understanding that international humanitarian organizations respect the national laws of the countries where they intervene; 61. Address the root causes of and find lasting solutions to, the protracted problems of displaced and refugee populations, notably with regard to their peaceful co-existence with resident populations, their voluntary repatriation and return or local integration, with the full involvement of the local authorities and host populations, and within the framework of tripartite agreements where applicable; encourage countries of origin to create the conditions conducive to the return of refugees; 62. Encourage the International Community in assisting host communities and refugee-affected areas, in the spirit of burden sharing, in mitigating the adverse effects of protracted refugee presence. 63. Establish a regional mechanism and national systems enabling resettlement locally and developing setting up a regional mechanism for the identification, disarmament and separation of combatants from civilian refugees and displaced persons, and their confinement in distinct facilities to prevent them from manipulating refugees and displaced persons for political or military purposes; from combatants and preventing their exploitation for political ends; 64. Apply the Ottawa Convention on anti-personnel landmines and ensure the clearing of mines, including in areas inhabited by refugees, returnees and displaced persons and locate camps at a reasonable distance from the borders, as stipulated in the OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa and relevant conclusions of the Executive Committee of the Programme of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees endorsed by the UN General Assembly; 65. Establish a regional early warning and rapid response mechanism for natural and man-made disasters and build capacities for environmental restoration in areas degraded by the settlement of refugee and displaced populations;

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66. Prohibit the recruitment of children into armed forces or their participation in any manner in hostilities, including support roles, and to this end, accede to and implement, through domestic legislation in internal legal systems, the relevant provisions of the African Charter on the Right and Welfare of the Child, the optional Protocol to the Convention of the Rights of the child and the relevant recommendations of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Children in Armed Conflict; take all necessary measures to ensure that former child soldiers are exempted from compulsory military service, reunited with their families, reintegrated into their communities, rehabilitated, counseled and resettled; 67. Set up regional mechanisms, including relevant traditional support mechanisms, aimed at providing psychosocial support, medical and legal assistance to women and girls who are victims of rape as well as other acts of sexual violence and exploitation; 68. Adopt a common regional approach for the ratification and implementation of the UN Conventions on Statelessness, harmonize related national laws and standards, and provide refugees and displaced persons with identification documents enabling them to have access to basic services and exercise their rights; 69. Ensure that refugees and displaced persons, upon return to their areas of origin, recover their property with the assistance of the local traditional and administrative authorities; 70. Allocate funds from debt cancellation with priority given to programmes of rehabilitation and reconstruction of social and educational infrastructure, as well as rural development; 71. Promote preventive strategies to curb the spread and reduce the impact of endemic diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis, and reduce the impact of the said diseases by strengthening regional initiatives, especially the Great Lakes Initiative on AIDS (GLIA), the Congo-Ubangui and Chari River Countries Initiative on HIV/AIDS, to facilitate access to medical intervention and to reinforce the collaboration, coordination and sharing of information among the region’s States; 72. Make the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) a reference for the development of integrated policies aimed at eradicating poverty phenomena; 73. Develop and promote comprehensive curricula on the culture of Peace in the educational systems; 74. Promote the use of Kiswahili as a working language in the Great Lakes region;

IV – FOLLOW-UP MECHANISM

We decide to: 75. Give meaning to our share vision for the Great Lakes Region and, to this end, hold more regular political consultations to consolidate and materialize our cooperation in the form of a Pact on Security, Stability and Development to be adopted at the Second Summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region scheduled for 2005 in Nairobi;

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76. Set up a Regional Inter-Ministerial Committee, mandated to prepare selected, concrete, achievable and measurable draft Protocols and programmes of action together with specific short, medium and long-term objectives; the Committee is assisted by the Regional Preparatory Committee, enhanced with representatives of the Civil society, women, youth and other reputable experts with at least one third of women representatives; the Draft Protocols and Programmes of Action will be submitted to the Second Summit and will form with this Declaration, the Pact on Security, Stability and Development in the Great Lakes Region; 77. Direct the Regional Inter-Ministerial Committee to take into account the recommendations emanating from the meetings of the Regional Preparatory Committee, other special regional meetings as well as meetings related to the preparation of the Conference, including the First Ladies Forum; 78. Further direct the Regional Inter-Ministerial Committee to include in the Draft Protocols and programmes of action, practical modalities for the implementation, regular monitoring and periodic evaluation of the different components of the Pact, at national and regional levels; 79. Recommend that the Regional Inter-Ministerial Committee work in close collaboration with the UN, the AU, relevant Regional Economic Communities, development partners and the Group of Friends of the Great Lakes Region;

V. FINAL PROVISIONS

80. Invite the Group of Friends of the Great Lakes Region to continue their commendable diplomatic, political, technical and financial support in order to help create conditions conducive to the implementation of this Declaration and for the requisite preparation of decisions of the Second Summit; 81. Further invite the UN and the AU in consultation with the host country of our First Summit and with the support of the Group of Friends of the Great Lakes Region, to assist Member States of the Conference to implement the Declaration until the Second Summit of the Conference; 82. Declare that the present Declaration takes effect immediately and undertake to respect and implement its provisions.

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Witnesses