A/HRC/23/56 fear and led to another theory, that of pre-emptive self-defence based on the „kill or be killed‟ principle. This theory was a major factor in the 1994 genocide.10 52. Ensuring access to education during armed conflicts, including ethnic conflicts, is a major challenge and is crucial to preventing racism and racial discrimination in the area of education during such periods. Indeed, students belonging to minority groups, as well as other disadvantaged groups, including migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, are often disproportionately affected during such conflicts. The Special Rapporteur recalls that the consequences of armed conflicts on education constitute serious problems that need increased attention from States. Indeed, armed conflicts, including ethnic conflicts, lead to significant and grave obstacles in accessing education, including the destruction of schools used for military objectives; psychological trauma and injury suffered by children and young people; the recruitment of child soldiers; the diversion of national budgets for war resources; and the internal displacement of families. 53. Education can play a key role in preventing conflicts. As stated by the previous mandate holder, one effective way to prevent and address the eruption of a conflict is to ensure the equality of all individuals and equal access to economic, social and cultural rights for all individuals within the State‟s territory and subject to its jurisdiction, and education is needed to complement legislative measures (A/HRC/14/43, para. 67). Education is also crucial in consolidating peace and ensuring development in post-conflict situations. In this regard, the Special Rapporteur recommends ensuring that education policy is an integral part of the programme of consolidating peace and integrating assessments of post-conflict situations and peace consolidation into national education strategies. C. Education and the economic crisis 54. Reports received show that, in the field of education, financing presents a number of difficult and conflicting issues. Indeed, although several Governments have earmarked more resources for education, the level of commitment overall varies greatly. There is also evidence in some regions of growth in international aid, particularly for basic education, albeit with some failures in application. In the last few years, many countries have been experiencing a severe economic crisis, which in some instances has resulted in drastic budgetary restrictions and affects the education sector. It is essential that States carefully evaluate the potential impact of budgetary restrictions on the enjoyment of the right to education without discrimination. Budgetary stringency must not have a disproportionate impact on the enjoyment of the right to education, especially for disadvantaged groups, including minorities, Roma, people of African descent, migrants, undocumented migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and the victims of caste-based discrimination, since this could threaten the progress already achieved by some countries, and lead to increased marginalization and exclusion of part of these vulnerable groups. VI. Conclusions and recommendations 55. The Special Rapporteur wishes to stress the crucial importance of education in the prevention of all forms of racism, xenophobia, intolerance and discrimination, in particular human rights education and education which is sensitive to and respects cultural diversity. The fundamental role of education as a facilitative right is linked to 10 Report on the situation of human rights in Rwanda, E/CN.4/1997/61, para. 25. 13