A/HRC/30/60 (c) Economic, social and cultural rights 46. In Darfur, widespread poverty, compounded by poor infrastructure and health and social services, as well as environmental hazards, has been further exacerbated by the ongoing armed conflict, which has adversely affected the conditions necessary for the enjoyment of such basic rights as the rights to food, housing, health, water, sanitation and education by the civilian population. 47. Poverty levels in Darfur are among the highest in the country; almost two thirds of the population live below the poverty line. Land occupation and land use issues are a recurring issue in all parts of Darfur. In particular, issues of access to land often trigger intercommunal conflict in the region. While the entire population of Darfur has been affected by the crisis, women, by virtue of their social and legal status and as a result of traditional norms and customs, face increased discrimination, which has a negative impact on their enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights. 48. The Government does not appear to have records, information and reliable statistics that would enable it assess the progressive implementation of its obligations under the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, which the State has ratified. 2. Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile 49. During the period under review, several reports were received of human rights violations in the States of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile. The violations included systematic attacks against civilians by both government forces and armed opposition groups and bombing in areas populated by civilians in the Nuba Mountains – acts contrary to the international humanitarian principles of distinction and proportionality. According to information received by the Independent Expert, between January and April 2015, the Sudanese Air Force dropped approximately 374 bombs in 60 locations in Southern Kordofan. The aerial bombardments and ground shelling resulted in the deaths of an estimated 35 civilians and injured a further 70 individuals, and damaged civilian objects, including villages, schools and mills. 50. Reports indicate that a hospital run by Médecins sans Frontières in Southern Kordofan was bombed, in violation of international humanitarian law, on 20 January 2015, forcing the suspension of all medical activities.. The organization decided on 29 January 2015 to shut down its operations in the Sudan owing to the restrictions on its activities. The Independent Expert also received information on a surge in fighting on the ground between government forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), in particular following the elections. The fighting caused the displacement of approximately 50,000 people in the States of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile in May 2015. 51. Violations of human rights and international humanitarian law were also perpetrated by armed movements. On 12 March 2015, a attack by SPLM-N on Kalogi in Southern Kordofan reportedly resulted in 40 civilian deaths, 45 injuries and the displacement of 25,000 people. On 25 June, another attack by SPLM-N in Southern Kordofan is said to have led to the death of a dozen civilians and the wounding of approximately 100 others. 52. The Independent Expert remains deeply concerned at the situation in the States of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, and reiterates his willingness to visit these regions during his next visit to the Sudan with a view to assessing the ongoing situation. 11