The team, comprising human rights experts, lawyers and aid workers documented cases of civilians still being held in captivity by militia forces who are also exacting excessive illegal taxation from the people.

"Even after the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement civilians are subjected to excessive taxation, when they enter and leave a militia held territory. The militia groups have used the civilian population as a source of personal aggrandisement," said Reubelt.

"This taxation continues to place yet another hardship on a people who are struggling to rebuild their lives after suffering war and displacement. The militia still continue to restrict the freedom of movement of civilians," he explained.

Reubelt said a complete cessation of activities of armed groups would contribute to a lasting stabilisation of the security situation of the affected civilian population.