A/HRC/4/80 page 10 21. The signature by the Sudan of various political agreements also reflects its acceptance of this responsibility. In July 2004 during a visit to the Sudan by the Secretary-General, a Joint Communiqué was signed between the Government and the United Nations. The communiqué contains a number of commitments relating to the Government’s responsibility to protect its populations, their lives and welfare, in particular during internal armed conflict, by taking action to guarantee human rights.4 Additionally, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that the Government signed with the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) on 9 January 2005 contains a number of provisions relating to the protection of human rights. The Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) of 5 May 2006 contains an explicit section on human rights. 22. Sudan’s Interim National Constitution includes a Bill of Rights that guarantees most of the rights contained in the international human rights treaties, including rights contained in international instruments to which the Sudan is not a party (for example the Convention Against Torture). It also provides for a national human rights Commission, to be established under its terms. 23. With regard to national plans and policies, the Government Plan for the Restoration of Stability and Protection of Civilians in Darfur (August 2006) is based on the DPA and the timeline established for its implementation. It contains a number of human rights-related elements, with specific objectives, activities, implementation measures, timing and requirements for action by the United Nations and other partners.5 The National Action Plan to End Violence against Women in Darfur (November 2005) also contains specific time-bound actions by various ministries. II. DARFUR: SITUATION ASSESSMENT A. Brief history and causes of the conflict 24. The causes of conflict in Darfur are complex. Historically, tribal groups have come into conflict over land, water or livestock, but such disputes were settled through traditional tribal 4 This includes a moratorium on restrictions for all humanitarian work in Darfur, a commitment to undertake concrete measures to end impunity, to deploy immediate investigations of all ceasefire violations, to provide adequate resources for (Independent Investigation Committee) investigations, to implement resulting recommendations, to ensure that all individuals accused of human rights violations are brought to justice without delay, to allow the deployment of human rights monitors and to establish a fair system, respectful of local traditions that will allow abused women to bring charges against alleged perpetrators. It agreed as well to deploy a strong, credible and respected police force in all IDP areas as well as in areas susceptible to attacks, to train them in human rights law and to hold them responsible for upholding it. 5 See document S/2006/665 of 17 August 2006 containing the letter from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council and transmitting the Plan of the Government of the Sudan for the restoration of stability and protection of civilians in Darfur.