8. The Conference is aware that violations of Human Rights in Africa are caused among others by: a. Contemporary forms of slavery b. Neo colonialism, racism and religious intolerance c. Poverty, disease, ignorance and illiteracy d. Conflicts leading to refugee outflows and internal population displacement e. Social dislocations which may arise from the implementation of certain aspects of structural adjustment programmes f. The debt problem g. Mismanagement, bad governance and corruption h. Lack of accountability in the management of public affairs i. Monopoly in the exercise of power j. Harmful traditional practices k. Lack of independence of the judiciary l. Lack of independent human rights institutions m. Lack of freedom of the press and association n. Environmental degradation o. Non compliance with the provisions of the OAU Charter on territorial integrity and inviolability of colonial borders and the right to self determination p. Unconstitutional changes of governments q. Terrorism r. Nepotism s. Exploitation of ethnicity. There is therefore the need to adopt a multi faceted approach to the task of eliminating the causes of human rights violations in Africa. 9. While welcoming the improvements which have taken place in addressing the refugee problem, the Conference believes that the high number of refugees, displaced persons and returnees in Africa constitutes an impediment to development. It recognizes the link between human rights violations and population displacement and calls for redoubled and concerted efforts by States and the OAU to address the problem. 10. The Conference recognizes that the development and energization of the civil society, the strengthening of the family unit as the basis of human society, the removal of harmful traditional practices and consultation with community leaders should all be seen as building blocs in the process of creating an environment conducive to human rights in Africa and as tools for fostering solidarity among her peoples.