A/HRC/19/67 humanitarian team undertook a mission to the Myanmar-China border in December 2011. This was the first delivery of United Nations relief supplies to displaced persons in areas previously not covered by United Nations assistance. The materials provided were, however, not sufficient to cover the basic needs of the population. The materials provided by the Government were not accepted by the KIO. 63. From 8 to 10 December 2011, members of the national human rights commission undertook a mission to Kachin State. In its statement of 13 December, the commission acknowledged the effective role of the Kachin State Government in providing humanitarian supplies and basic health facilities to more than 14,000 displaced persons, including victims of landmines. It urged that the peace negotiations be carried out to its full conclusion. It also noted the President’s order of 10 December and urged the Kachin Independence Army to reciprocate in the same manner. 64. The Special Rapporteur emphasizes that the needs of those displaced and affected by the conflict must be addressed as a matter of priority. The United Nations and its humanitarian partners should have regular, independent and predictable access to all in need of humanitarian assistance, regardless of whether they are in areas controlled by the Government. The Government and the KIO must allow humanitarian relief to reach civilian populations; the delivery of humanitarian assistance under the United Nations umbrella cannot be made conditional in the context of ongoing negotiations between the Government and armed groups. 65. The Special Rapporteur reiterates his call for the Government and all armed groups to ensure the protection of civilians, in particular children and women, during armed conflict, in accordance with international humanitarian law. He also reiterates his view that the Government should sign and ratify immediately the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction, and work with international organizations to develop a comprehensive plan to end the use of landmines and ensure their systematic removal, and the rehabilitation of victims. 66. The Special Rapporteur welcomes the several invitations made by the President in recent months for armed groups to engage in peace talks. Additionally, he welcomes the establishment by Parliament of the Committee for Eternal Stability and Peace, which aims to mediate between the Government and ethnic armed groups, and the establishment by the President of two peace negotiating teams composed of ministers, members of Parliament and military officers. 67. The Special Rapporteur was informed of a “roadmap” set out by the President comprising three steps: the conclusion of a ceasefire agreement; political negotiations and dialogue; and, eventually, discussion in Parliament where all agreements would be formalized and outstanding issues settled. Progress has been made on concluding initial agreements with a number of armed ethnic groups, such as the United Wa State Army and the National Democratic Alliance Army (Mongla Group), in September 2011; the Shan State Army-South, in November 2011; the Klo Htoo Baw, a breakaway group of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army, in December 2011; the Chin National Front, the Shan State Army-North and the Karen National Union, in January 2012; and the New Mon State Party, in February 2012. He was also informed of continuing discussions with other groups, such as the Kayah Nationalities Progressive Party. Confidence was expressed that ceasefire agreements would be reached with all armed ethnic groups within several months. 68. The Special Rapporteur calls for accelerated efforts towards finding a durable political resolution to the ongoing conflict, which is essential for broader national reconciliation. He notes that the initial agreements reached with some armed ethnic groups have included such points as cooperation on socio-economic development, ensuring human 15