A/69/266 60. A key element in preventing hate-motivated violent crime is to know about existing tensions and better understand what lies behind them. Understanding what inspires hatred, hate speech and its evolution into hate crime is a major challenge but is essential to effectively reducing the threat of violence from society. This requires constant engagement with minority and majority communities, leaders and associations to identify concerns and respond rapidly to situations of emerging tension. In some cases, tensions may be at such a level that relatively small incidents can spark wider violence. 61. Special attention should be given to the situation and perspectives of youth. Young people living in marginalized environments in which there are high levels of unemployment and poverty and education dropout rates, may be vulnerable to recruitment by violent and radical groups. Some community projects working with young adults have been successful in locations where violence has taken place, including in Jos in Nigeria and Srebrenica in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Such projects help to build understanding between young people from different or conflict -affected communities and reduce the risk of their becoming part of the circle of violence. B. Implementing international human rights standards 62. Full compliance with international standards for equality, non-discrimination and minority rights as well as good and inclusive governance are vital factors in preventing conflict, violence directed towards minorities and atrocities committed against them. Full implementation of minority rights enables national, ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities to enjoy their rights in equality with others, including their economic, social and cultural rights. It also helps to create a general social environment of respect, understanding and acceptance of diversity that is conducive to the peaceful coexistence of different national, ethnic, religious and linguistic groups and that diminishes the threat of violence against any person or group. 63. While extreme nationalist, racist, xenophobic or radical elements may exist in any country, States which fully implement minority rights protections and legal, judicial and institutional safeguards are better placed to ensure th at any illegal actions and incitement to acts of violence are prohibited and prosecuted according to the law. Hate-motivated activities are curtailed by legal prohibition and appropriate penalties and through a general societal rejection of them. The threa t of prosecution and appropriate penalties is a major deterrent and preventative tool. 64. Good and inclusive governance and political will are paramount. Governments have the primary responsibility to prevent violence and the greatest capacity to deal with issues that might lead to violence, including hate speech and gross inequalities. They can lead efforts that involve numerous governmental and public bodies, including law enforcement bodies that are multisectoral and involve the participation of many different actors. An independent and efficient judiciary is key to ensuring timely accountability and to strengthening democracy and the rule of law. C. Ensuring institutional attention to minority issues 65. The establishment of domestic legal protection for minority rights is an essential first step; however, legislative measures alone are not sufficient to protect minorities from violence. Ensuring institutional attention to minority issues 14-58850 17/24