A/80/496 communities, is vital to the social contract between Governments and individuals, as well as to the broader maintenance of the social fabric that can prevent crisis and conflict. Racially equitable political representation and participation, as can be achieved through special measures, can create a constructive outlet for debate and discourse and incentives for positive cooperation. 10 8. Building fair, inclusive and just societies to prevent conflict also includes the non-discriminatory realization of political, economic, social and cultural rights. Disagreement over land, food, water and extractive resources has been identified as a common driver of conflict. 11 The Special Rapporteur received submissions describing how the setting of colonial borders and the extractive resource exploitation inherent to colonialism deepened resource competition, contributing to enduring systemic racism and economic exclusion. 12 Many from marginalized racial and ethnic groups continue to face disproportionate levels of entrenched poverty as a result of historical exploitation, extractivism, underinvestment in their communities and a lack of decent work opportunities because of the systems of exclusion embedded during colonialism. Addressing economic inequality, upholding economic, social and cultural rights and promoting fair, equitable and sustainable development, as well as ensuring equitable access to public services, is vital. In this respect, the Special Rapporteur highlights the importance of considering resource redistribution policies that reduce the inequalities within and between countries. 9. As highlighted in the Pathways for Peace study, civil society groups, including those working on anti-racial discrimination, make an invaluable contribution to fair and inclusive societies and can support conflict resolution through the provision of community services, the building of relationships across different social groups and the promotion of social norms that discourage violence. 13 Given the important role of civil society groups in conflict prevention, the Special Rapporteur encourages States to consider providing them with adequate funding for this vital work. 10. Building fair, inclusive and just societies that promote and protect human rights at the national level is an essential way in which States can prevent conflict and contribute to international peace and security. The work of the United Nations system and other international and regional actors, including preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping, the promotion and protection of human rights and the advancement of sustainable development, is also vital. The International Court of Justice, which adjudicates conflicts between States, also plays an important role in conflict prevention. The essential role of the multilateral system in preventing conflict was recognized by States in the Pact for the Future. 14 The Special Rapporteur is deeply concerned that, notwithstanding such commitments, there are severe deficits in the funds available for all elements of the United Nations work, as well as broader cuts to overseas development aid, resulting in protection g aps. 15 These funding deficits are, paradoxically, worsening within a geopolitical context in which the work of the United Nations and broader multilateral system is more necessary than ever to prevent and resolve burgeoning global conflict. Recalling the United Nations founding purpose of saving future generations from the scourge of war, the Special Rapporteur __________________ 10 11 12 13 14 15 25-16958 See A/75/982. United Nations and World Bank, Pathways for Peace. Submissions from Atina Solutions, FDI and Baku Initiative Group. United Nations and World Bank, Pathways for Peace. See resolution 79/1 and A/80/1. See S/2025/389; A/80/1; and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), “Cuts in official development assistance: OECD projections for 2025 and the near term”, 26 June 2025. 5/21