A/HRC/13/63 page 26 finalized, however, the decree had yet to be implemented by the Government and the liaison entity was not yet functional. V. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 106. During the course of 2009, peace returned to some parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while other areas have seen renewed hostilities and violence. Overall, the human rights situation has not improved and remains serious, including in areas not affected by conflict. Members of FARDC, PNC, ANR and other intelligence forces have been cited as responsible for summary executions, sexual violence, torture and ill-treatment. Armed groups such as LRA and FDLR continue to commit atrocities, which amount to grave breaches of international humanitarian law and, in some instances, may also constitute crimes against humanity. 107. The experts regret that the Government failed to provide any information on the implementation of the recommendations made in the experts’ initial report.51 Information received from other sources indicates that there has been little progress overall. Government efforts in particular have been wholly insufficient, making it difficult for partners to provide related technical assistance. 108. The reforms of the justice and security sectors have not advanced enough and efforts undertaken are undermined by a lack of will to implement a “zero tolerance” policy against certain influential individuals suspected of serious human rights violations. Impunity and the continued presence of perpetrators of serious violations in the security forces remain key concerns. 109. Violence against women, in particular rape and gang rape committed by men with guns and civilians, remains a serious concern, including in areas not affected by armed conflict. Discriminatory laws and practices remain in place and, along with impunity, remain a root cause of violence against women. 110. Improvements in terms of peace and security have allowed for some progress on identifying child soldiers and releasing them from the ranks of armed groups undergoing integration with FARDC. However, the problem continues to exist in certain integrated units and requires full Government commitment to prepare and implement an action plan for the prevention of recruitment and use of child soldiers. 111. The Government neglects its responsibilities to protect and assist internally displaced persons and returnees, who therefore have to rely entirely on the support provided by the international community. In addition, there is a risk that displaced populations may not be able to participate in the 2010 local elections. 112. The economic root causes of human rights violations, in particular illegal exploitation of natural resources and unresolved land conflicts, are increasingly 51 A/HRC/10/59.