A/HRC/43/76 38,100 internally displaced persons in December 2017, but that number increased to 84,300 in January 2019 and reached 199,385 in October 2019. As was the case the previous year, this dramatic increase is largely the result of intercommunal conflict, a lack of security and the risk of possible clashes between armed groups. The upward trend has been more pronounced in Ménaka, Mopti and Timbuktu regions. F. Economic, social and cultural rights 58. The Independent Expert is concerned about the catastrophic effects of the continued violations of economic, social and cultural rights, which constitute serious threats to food security. Furthermore, conflicts and armed clashes in the northern and central regions of the country exacerbate the situation, with serious risks of epidemics reported by the World Health Organization. The Independent Expert notes that, despite the implementation of strategic frameworks for poverty reduction, poverty rates remain very high and disproportionately affect those living in rural and remote areas, particularly those most affected by the armed conflicts. The Independent Expert would like to reiterate the recommendation of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights that Mali should develop and implement a new strategic framework to combat poverty, with specific and measurable objectives and the necessary resources. 3 In the new context of decentralization, this implies the establishment of effective coordination mechanisms between the different parties involved. The Independent Expert encourages Mali to ensure that this strategic framework is implemented in accordance with human rights standards and principles and to take due account of existing regional disparities and the real needs of the population, particularly the most disadvantaged and marginalized groups. 59. The resurgence of intercommunal conflicts in the centre of the country has increased the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance and the number of food-insecure people. The Independent Expert has learned that 1 person in 5 in Mali is in need of humanitarian assistance. At the time of writing, the Humanitarian Response Plan, revised in August 2019 because of the alarming deterioration in the humanitarian situation, was only 49 per cent funded. 60. The Independent Expert is concerned about the negative impact of the armed conflicts and confrontations in the northern and central areas of the country on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights. Specifically, the Independent Expert urges the Malian authorities to afford effective protection for displaced persons by providing them with access to adequate housing, health care, education and social assistance. 61. The Independent Expert welcomes the initiative led by the African Development Bank to give 250 million people in Mali and the wider Sahel access to electricity by 2025. This will help to reduce poverty. 62. The Independent Expert is very concerned that Mali is extremely vulnerable to climate change and has already experienced frequent droughts and heavy rainfall that has led to deadly flooding. The floods have caused significant material damage as well as loss of livestock and land under crops. Climate change is expected to result in higher temperatures and an increase in extreme weather events. These changes will undoubtedly lead to an increase in conflicts between pastoralists, fishermen and farmers, all of them seeking access to the limited resources to continue their activities. 3 GE.20-00529 E/C.12/MLI/CO/1, para. 37. 13