A/HRC/8/6 page 12 appropriate solutions are found to substantive issues, such as that of identifying individuals in order to determine who is and who is not an Ivorian, or that of rural land ownership, the peace process could be derailed by a fresh outbreak of tensions. 43. The Representative welcomes the clear commitment of the authorities, at the highest level, to allow the displaced persons to return, and the commitment of their communities of origin to reintegrate them. However, in the west of the country the Representative is seriously concerned at the challenges posed by the series of displacements to which he had already referred in his mission report.10 Thus those displaced from Zou, who had found refuge in Bloléquin, left the farms they were occupying in order to allow the inhabitants to return, but were not able to return to their own villages, which were still occupied by other displaced persons, and so found themselves in a particularly difficult situation. The Representative calls on the authorities to pay particular attention to this situation and to seek comprehensive solutions that would allow the phased return of the displaced persons. While he welcomes the conclusion of agreements between indigenous communities and returnees based on the traditions of the country, which should ensure greater ownership of the process by the population groups involved, the Representative is concerned about conflicts that could arise from such agreements. No provision appears to have been made for a mechanism to handle any conflicts between returnees and their legal representatives, and at times these agreements appear to be inconsistent with the Law on Rural Land Tenure, which could complicate the implementation of the Law. 44. The Representative considers that, for the most part, the obstacles to return in the north are due to the marginalization of this region, which is suffering from a high level of unemployment, virtually no public administration and a slight increase in crime, but also has a considerable number of occupied, looted and/or destroyed houses. He noted in particular the impoverishment of the displaced population, and especially the dire conditions in which particularly vulnerable groups such as women heads of household or very young mothers are living. He also noted that there was rising tension between communities. 45. The Representative points out that identification and the issue of identity papers are key issues in the normalization process in Côte d’Ivoire. He noted with interest the efforts made in this sphere by the Government, but wishes to emphasize that the current procedure could create special difficulties for the displaced as it provides that a birth certificate must be issued at the birthplace of the individual concerned. He is particularly concerned at the fact that, in the context of the current electoral process, displaced persons might not be able to exercise their right to vote and participate in public life like their fellow citizens. 46. In July 2007 the Representative transmitted detailed conclusions and recommendations to the authorities and called on the Government to take concrete measures to finalize, adopt and implement without delay the plan of action for the return of displaced persons prepared by the Ministry of Solidarity. He recommends that the international community should continue to develop and support programmes for displaced persons by remaining on the ground and reinforcing its presence in the areas of return when necessary. The Representative reminds 10 A/HRC/4/38/Add.2.