A/HRC/7/26 Page 19 VIII. “SOMALILAND” 78. As documented in the last report of the independent expert 4 , there appeared to be progress in respect of the border dispute between “Somaliland” and “Puntland” in the regions of Eastern Sool and Sanaag. However, between April and October of last year, several clashes erupted between “Puntland” and “Somaliland” forces which resulted in an estimated thirty deaths and raised tensions over the disputed territories which had been dormant for sometime. These incidents also generated additional waves of internal displacement. The independent expert hopes that this was an errant period and that both sides will refrain from further hostilities or provocative acts. 79. Otherwise the situation in “Somaliland” was comparatively peaceful in contrast to south and central Somalia. Following the first-ever parliamentary elections in 2005, “Somaliland” continued to make incremental progress on public administration and governance. Authorities continued to undertake modest infrastructure projects and NGOs carried on with their local human rights work, albeit with little or no resources. However, in “Somaliland,” the independent expert remains concerned about police brutality, arbitrary arrests of journalists and human rights defenders, reports of impunity and so-called security committees which continue to exercise judicial responsibilities by issuing sentences without due process. During past missions to “Somaliland”, the independent expert has been impressed with the activities of the Rule of Law and Security Program of UNDP and further to his briefing while in Nairobi on this mission, it is his understanding that UNDP will expand further these activities to other parts of Somalia. IX. “PUNTLAND” 80. In “Puntland” the issues of coastline protection, the living conditions in and the need for humanitarian assistance to IDP camps, sexual and gender-based violence, harassment of the media, and the lack of rule of law and an effective justice system continue to be problematic. “Puntland” also witnessed increased instability in the form threats to humanitarian workers, civil unrest and police brutality. 81. In 2006, and as reflected in the previous report of the independent expert, the political outlook for “Puntland” looked positive. As noted above, it appeared that both “Puntland” and “Somaliland” were reinforcing their positions in the contested Sool region, following fighting in the town of Lasanod. This seemingly renewed military conflict may threaten "Puntland"’s recent political consolidation. Once again, observers have expressed their concern over the economic crisis in “Puntland” and highlighted the risks that a lack of economic growth could also pose to the region. The independent expert continues to urge authorities to take action against the human traffickers and smugglers who are responsible for such misery and human rights abuses against the “boat people” which was mentioned in paragraphs 59 to 62 above. 4 A/HRC/2/CRP.2.