signs associated with the commission of atrocity crimes and identify situations of concern and make recommendations for preventative action. The Framework of Analysis is also used by Member States and civil society actors across the world who are working to advance atrocity prevention in their communities. Two of the most critical risk factors identified in the Framework of Analysis are directly related to the topic of this forum: first, the presence of an armed conflict and second, patterns of discrimination and marginalization of protected groups, including ethnic and religious minorities. Preventing conflict and ensuring the protection of minorities are therefore key ingredients to effective atrocity prevention. Ladies and gentlemen, Unfortunately, we are seeing concerning trends across the world when it comes to both risk areas. Hard won gains in building democratic institutions and protecting human rights are being eroded by those who seek to maintain or consolidate power at any cost, leading to tension and violence. Likewise, we are seeing in situations of armed conflict a growing disregard for fundamental tenets of international law and protection of civilians. From the deliberate targeting of civilians by non-State armed groups, to the indiscriminate use of air power by States against civilian populations and on protected civilian objects, such as hospitals and schools. From Myanmar, Ethiopia, Syria, Afghanistan, and Yemen, to mention just a few, the devastating impact of conflict is causing human suffering at an unacceptable scale. The targeting of civilian populations or the complete disregard for their protection leaves them vulnerable to mass violence and atrocity crimes. The second risk factor and topic of your discussion today is the protection of minorities from discrimination, hate speech and other forms of identity-based violence. Unfortunately, we continue to witness a global surge in hateful and divisive rhetoric including xenophobia, racism, antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, attacks on Christian communities and misogyny. Such hate speech is amplified at an unprecedented rate by digital technology and has resulted in hate crimes, discrimination, and violence. Hate speech, when accompanied by policies and practices -2-