A/RES/57/337 Alarmed by the human costs and devastating humanitarian, economic, environmental, political and social consequences of armed conflict, and recognizing the imperatives, including moral, of the prevention of armed conflict and its benefits for peace and development, in particular by addressing the root causes of armed conflict, Recognizing that peace and development are mutually reinforcing, including in the prevention of armed conflict, Recognizing also the importance of humanitarian assistance in ensuring an effective transition from conflict to peace and in preventing the recurrence of armed conflict, Affirming that the fulfilment of the obligation to respect and ensure respect in all circumstances for the provisions of international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, 2 will enhance the prospects for the peaceful resolution of armed conflict and for the prevention of its occurrence and recurrence, Affirming also that full respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all is one of the key elements for the prevention of armed conflict, Recognizing that the root causes of armed conflict are multidimensional in nature, thus requiring a comprehensive and integrated approach to the prevention of armed conflict, Determined to establish a just and lasting peace all over the world in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and upholding the sovereign equality of all States, respect for their territorial integrity and political independence, resolution of disputes by peaceful means and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, the right of selfdetermination of peoples which remain under colonial domination and foreign occupation, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for the equal rights of all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion, and international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character, Welcoming the adoption of the Global Agenda for Dialogue among Civilizations, 3 and recognizing the continued inter-religious dialogues and the promotion of religious harmony as contributions to the prevention of armed conflict, Affirming that the ethnic, cultural and religious identity of minorities, where they exist, must be protected, and that persons belonging to such minorities should be treated equally and enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms without discrimination of any kind, Resolving to take appropriate measures, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, combined with the efforts of Member States, to prevent armed conflicts, 1. Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Secretary-General on the prevention of armed conflict; 1 _______________ 2 3 2 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 75, No. 973. See resolution 56/6.