A/HRC/28/54 A. Central African Republic 44. In the context of the escalating violence and the deteriorating security situation in the Central African Republic, the Special Representative visited the country from 17 to 21 December 2013, together with the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide and a representative of the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. The primary aim of the visit was to assess the impact of the conflict on children and to advocate with the then authorities and other relevant interlocutors for the cessation of violence and protection for civilians. The Special Representative called for the strengthening of United Nations capacity to ensure an adequate response to the child protection crisis. Since that visit, the political landscape in the Central African Republic has evolved and the Special Representative continues to engage with the new transitional authorities. B. Yemen 45. At the invitation of the Government, the Special Representative visited Yemen from 13 to 15 May 2014 for the signing of an Action Plan to end the recruitment and use of children by government forces. Pursuant to the Action Plan, the Government of Yemen committed to criminalize and investigate allegations of recruitment and use of children its armed forces. Unfortunately, following the signing of the Action Plan, the security and political situation in Yemen deteriorated and remains volatile, limiting implementation progress. The Special Representative and the United Nations in Yemen continue to work closely with the Yemeni authorities to make progress on the provisions of the Action Plan. C. South Sudan 46. The Special Representative visited South Sudan from 22 to 27 June 2014 to assess the impact on children of the crisis that has unfolded since 15 December 2013, and to follow up on the implementation of the Action Plan signed in 2012. The Special Representative, jointly with the Director General of UNESCO and its Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation, met with the President of South Sudan. The Special Representative called upon the President to hold perpetrators of violations against children accountable and emphasized that there can be no peace without justice. A recommitment agreement was signed by the Government of South Sudan and the United Nations to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children by Sudan People’s Liberation Army. The agreement also addressed the killing and maiming of children, sexual violence against children and attacks on schools and hospitals. D. Somalia 47. The Special Representative visited Somalia from 16 to 20 August 2014 to assess the impact of conflict on children and to follow up with the Somali authorities on the implementation of the two Action Plans to end and prevent recruitment and use of children by armed forces and the killing and maiming of children, which were signed in 2012. The precarious security situation and the lack of resources are paramount challenges, heavily affecting the capacity to establish and uphold of the rule of law in Somalia, and permitting widespread violations of human and children’s rights. Despite the difficulties, the Special Representative found that there were opportunities to improve the environment and minimize the impact of conflict and military operations on children. 13