A/HRC/24/31 and rebel forces to protect human rights, even during armed conflict, and the need to allow unhindered humanitarian access to civilians affected by such conflict. H. Humanitarian aid and access to victims 52. The question of the Government granting timely and full access to humanitarian agencies so as to facilitate humanitarian assistance to victims of conflict in affected areas is a matter of grave concern. The Independent Expert discussed this with the Commissioner General of HAC who stressed that the humanitarian situation has improved over the years. The Commissioner General also indicated that the Government, in collaboration with United Nations agencies and relevant international aid organizations, was taking further steps towards improving the situation. In March 2013, HAC published new directives aimed at improving humanitarian access in the country.4 The Independent Expert considers that the implementation of the new directives should be effectively monitored in order to have the desired effect of addressing the recurring problem of humanitarian access, particularly in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. I. Economic, social and cultural rights 53. The Independent Expert notes the important need to improve the realization of economic, social and cultural rights in the Sudan to effectively address poverty and other socioeconomic problems of the population, particularly in the rural parts of the country. Improving economic and social conditions will have a very positive impact on ending the persistent conflict that has afflicted the country. In this context, the Independent Expert notes that, among others, the underlying cause of the recent tribal clashes in Darfur was access to resources. In Jebel Amir and El Sireaf, tribal clashes between rival Arab tribes were over control of artisanal goldmines in the area, while control of the locality where gum arabic is produced appears to have triggered the fighting in Katalya and Ed El Fursan in South Darfur in early February 2013. Similarly, the clashes in Um Dukhum in Central Darfur and Rehad el Birdi in South Darfur in April started because of disputes between the local communities over control of grazing, land and water resources. 54. The Independent Expert notes that lack of access to basic social services such as clean water, education, health facilities and infrastructure has exacerbated the already impoverished situation in most rural parts of the Sudan. While the Government has initiated development projects, such as the Merowe Dam and Roseiris Heightening projects, to address these deficits, proper structural measures and mid- to long-term economic policy planning and implementation are necessary to ensure effective alleviation of poverty at the grassroots level. The international community is also encouraged to provide the country with the needed financial assistance for the realization of economic, social and cultural rights, as well as support for early recovery initiatives in conflict-affected areas. VI. Assessment of technical assistance and capacity-building needs 55. In his discussions with the Government and other stakeholders, the Independent Expert ascertained the roles of different bodies in the Sudan engaged in the promotion and 4 Humanitarian Aid Commission, “Directives for Humanitarian Works, 2013”. 13