A/69/266 88. Fact-finding and investigations commissions established at the earliest possible stage can play an essential role in stopping the escalation of further violence. States in which violence and/or atrocities targeted at minority groups have previously taken place should establish violence prevention and response policies and strategies that can rapidly be employed to avert the threat of renewed violence or can work in a wider policy context to prevent violence. Fostering community resilience and remembering and honouring the victims can help States to strengthen social cohesion and prevent atrocities from occurring again. The creation of museums and memorial places to pay tribute to the victims of all sides are imp ortant initiatives to that end. 89. In Colombia, the Office of the Ombudsman created an early warning and risk assessment system (Sistema de Alerta Temprana) to protect Afro-Colombian communities under threat. Under the system, community advocates deployed to areas in which the presence of authorities is weak identify and report on credible threats. Their alerts are assessed by security forces and civil institutions which determine if protection measures, including a military presence, bodyguards and relocations, are required. One of the concerns expressed is that not all threats are taken seriously and that some measures are imposed without full consultation. 90. In 2008, Kenya established the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, following ethnically-based violence after the 2007 elections. The Commission is entrusted with facilitating and promoting a Kenyan society whose values are harmonious and non-discriminatory, with the aim of achieving peaceful coexistence and integration. The Commission conducts activities to combat discrimination and enhance tolerance and management of diversity, and advises the Government in the promotion of harmony and peaceful coexistence. IX. Conclusions and recommendations 91. Protection of disadvantaged and vulnerable minority groups facing violence is required as much as ever. Continuing violent incidents suggest that only limited advances have been made in employing indicators, protection strategies and methodologies at the national, regional and international levels and that much remains to be done to protect vulnerable minority groups. 92. Violence has far-reaching impacts on individuals, communities and societies. The immediate impact may be death, injury, destruction of property, displacement and sexual violence against minorities. The longer-term impact on minorities, their enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms and their relations with other groups in society may last for generations after incidents of violence. 93. Gross inequalities and persistent poverty are frequently elements in the complex social, economic and geopolitical equations which lead to conflict and violence. Discrimination is a cause and a consequence of inequality and poverty and, under certain circumstances, including where land and resources are scarce, results in communities made vulnerable to violence. Addressing inequality and promoting equitable societies are key conflict and violence prevention measures. 14-58850 23/24