A/80/496 III. Interconnectedness of conflict and racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance Anti-racial discrimination measures as conflict prevention and protection 5. Prevention is an important tool for mitigating the risk of conflict. Violence is often self-perpetuating: once it takes hold, systems can adapt in ways that fuel further conflict. Preventing conflict is therefore easier than dismantling the systems and incentives that develop and perpetuate violence. Prevention saves lives and averts the violations of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights that occur during conflict. 2 It was estimated in a 2024 International Monetary Fund paper that, for every United States dollar spent on prevention, there was a return of between $26 and $75 in countries that had not suffered recently from violence and up to $103 in countries with recent violence. 3 6. Addressing both racial discrimination and conflict prevention are deeply interconnected endeavours and mutually reinforcing. It has been recognized that building societies that are fair and inclusive and that integrate all racial and ethnic groups into decision-making processes are less likely to experience violent conflict. 4 Effective measures to address racial discrimination therefore contribute to the resolution of existing tensions and the maintenance of peace and security. Conversely, the failures of States to effectively prevent and eradicate racial discrimination and uphold the human rights of marginalized racial groups, ethnic groups and caste oppressed communities further risk perpetuating cycles of violence. In addition to colonialism, neo-colonialism, economic interests, power dynamics between States, exclusion, political inequality and injustice, rooted in structural inequalities between groups, have been identified as some of the most crucial factors in conflict. Strengthening protections against racial discrimination is therefore essential not only for addressing current challenges, but also for safeguarding against future conflict. 5 7. Building inclusive, fair and just societies that help to prevent conflict is multifaceted and must be sustained over time. The Special Rapporteur on minority issues has stressed the importance of allowing minority groups, often encompassing those that experience racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, to use their language, practise their culture and religion and participate equally in political and economic life to prevent conflict. 6 The World Bank and United Nations report, Pathways for Peace: Innovative Approaches to Preventing Violent Conflict, demonstrated that decentralizing and devolving power, in a way that encouraged diversity, lowered the risk of violence. 7 In addition, the Secretary-General recognized, in a 2014 guidance note on the protection of minorities, that exclusion, in particular from political and public participation, could be a major driver of new conflict and conflict recurrence. 8 The Special Rapporteur reiterates the calls made in her report to the General Assembly in 2024 to ensure the effective implementation of special measures within political representation. 9 The representation and participation of those from all marginalized racial and ethnic groups, including caste -oppressed __________________ 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 4/21 Ibid. Hannes Mueller and others, The Urgency of Conflict Prevention: A Macroeconomic Perspective, Working Paper, No. WP/24/256 (International Monetary Fund, 2024). See A/HRC/16/45. See A/74/274. See A/HRC/49/46. United Nations and World Bank, Pathways for Peace: Inclusive Approaches to Preventing Violent Conflict (Washington, D.C., World Bank, 2018). United Nations, “Guidance note of the Secretary-General on racial discrimination and protection of minorities”, March 2013. See A/79/316. 25-16958