A/HRC/7/26 Page 11 F. Minorities 32. Discrimination and abuse of marginalized groups and minorities also appeared to continue unabated. Predominantly landless, destitute and unarmed minority groups such as the “African” Bantu/Jarir, the Benadir/Rer Hamar and the Midgan (Gaboye), were at greater risk of international displacement, discrimination, exclusion and abuse in the period covered by the report. 33. The fighting taking place in south and central Somalia also adversely affected their ability to earn a livelihood as labourers, metal-workers, herbalists and hunter-gatherers. They also reportedly faced greater difficulties in accessing humanitarian assistance and were more at risk in IDP camps. Sexual and gender-based violence and exploitation of minority women and girls, especially of the Bantu ethnic group, appeared more pronounced last year. 34. The independent expert learned that in the context of the National Reconciliation Congress, minority groups gained some recognition as a “fifth clan.” While they are still only attributed .5 of seats, the independent expert considers this a small but important gain and urges that minority groups continue to be represented, reflected and involved in Somalia’s reconciliation, constitution-drafting and governance processes. G. The human rights of women 35. The situation of women and girls in Somalia continues to deteriorate with the massive internal displacement, militarized environment and lack of governance leading to an increase in discrimination and sexual and gender-based violence. 36. While sexual violence has always been of concern in Somalia due to the ongoing conflicts, the lack of a justice system and the limited law and order, and the huge IDP population in camps; it also proved to be the case that the peaks of violence of the past year and the deteriorating security situation had further detrimental consequences for the protection of women and girls. According to reports received from Kismayo and Mogadishu, IDP women and girls, particularly those belonging to minority groups, are increasingly becoming the targets of sexual violence by youth gangs. The lack of security in and around IDP settlements, the re-emergence of armed groups and freelance militias and the new large population of military troops have also contributed to the increase of incidents and to the atmosphere of utter impunity in which they occur. Increased and often forced prostitution has also been linked to the militarized presence in Mogadishu and south-central Somalia. 37. Outside the context of the ongoing conflicts, revenge or “honour” killings still took place and women continued to be discriminated against with regard to property rights and inheritance. The most serious forms of female genital mutilation(FGM) are still also commonly practiced. 38. The independent expert continues to advocate for the improved representation and meaningful participation of women in the TFG, Transitional federal parliament (TFP) and other government institutions. He notes, however, that among the “Financial Decisions and Suggestions of the National Reconciliation Congress” are that “women should receive their 12 per cent share in the Parliamentary seats” and that “women should get their share in the Government and Judiciary organs.”