- - - - - - - - The importance that all actors taking part to the conflict, including non-state armed groups comply with fundamental human rights principles and international humanitarian law. That the State has the legal obligation under international law to protect its population from violence and atrocity crimes irrespective of national, ethnic, religious, linguistic or other identity and the political will is essential to meet this obligation. The urgency to provide humanitarian assistance to minorities affected by violence, with special attention to the most marginalized groups. The need to stop using specific forms of violence targeted against minority women, including rape and other forms of sexual violence, as a weapon in conflict situations or inter-ethnic violence. The need for more collective efforts to implement international human rights standards relevant to the protection of children who have experienced or are currently experiencing violence and to stop programmes of forced recruitment and use of child soldiers by extremist or terrorist groups. The necessity to improve communication and information sharing across the UN system about situations of ongoing serious violations of minority rights. The necessity to address the specific situation of minority communities who are forcibly displaced and recognise that this may expose minorities to additional security risks. The importance that the international community further discuss on how to operationalize the responsibility to protect principle in order to stop ongoing atrocities targeted against specific minority groups. The importance that media does not aggravate tensions or incite further violence. The crucial role played by community and religious leaders in order to stop violence before it escalates into atrocity crimes, including by maintaining interethnic and interreligious dialogue and by opening channel of communications with local authorities. The need that humanitarian actors ensure that minorities, including women, participate in the formulation of all humanitarian strategies. The urgency to stop the flow of money to fund extremist and terrorist groups. The importance to guarantee that minority individuals and groups continue to have access to international protection mechanisms in times of armed conflict. Item VI. Avoiding renewed violence-building the peace and managing diversity This session discussed the role of implementing minority rights in post-violence and post-conflict situations as a precondition for building and ensuring a stable and lasting peace. Participants considered specific post-violence reconciliation measures and key elements to rebuild confidence and trust in post-violence societies, including ensuring accountability for violent crimes against minorities, the role of transitional justice mechanisms and the importance of empowering of victims. Executive Director Foundation for Human Rights, South Africa, Ms. Yasmin Sooka 17