In the preamble of Resolution 1341, the Security Council expressed concern about the consequences of the illegal exploitation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's natural resources on the security situation and continuation of hostilities. The conflict had a severe impact on the civilian population and caused the number of refugees to increase. It was concerned at violations of human rights particularly in the east of the country, violence against the population, the spread of HIV/AIDS among women and girls and the use of child soldiers.[2]