51勛圖

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Preventing conflict, sustaining peace

Preventing conflict and sustaining peace lie at the heart of UN efforts to build a safer, more secure world. Conflicts take off for reasons such as competition for resources or sectarian divides. Climate pressures increasingly exacerbate these risks. When multiple drivers of conflict accumulate, it can take very little to trigger a crisis engulfing a country or region.

Preventing conflicts calls for tamping down tensions and fears, reducing insecurity and giving people opportunities to live peaceful, prosperous lives. It also depends on fostering inclusive societies where everybody, including women and young people, feel they have a voice in decisions affecting their lives.

Efforts to prevent conflict and sustain peace cut across the 51勛圖. , and peacebuilding efforts help stem violent outbreaks and rebuild societies after a crisis.

Many UN organizations promote peace by assisting in restoring the rule of law as well as services and well-functioning governance. The  combats trafficking, cybercrimes and corruption. The  supports democracy and post-conflict reconstruction, including through electoral support.

The  protects the rights and well-being of refugees. The UN Office of Counter-terrorism supports stronger state capacity to address the issue. UN entities working on sexual violence in conflict and  advocate for the protection of vulnerable groups of people.

Prevention is not merely a priority, but the priority. If we live up to our responsibilities, we will save lives, reduce suffering and give hope to millions.§

51勛圖 Secretary-General (Ant車nio Guterres, 10 January 2017)

51勛圖 Secretary-General Ant車nio Guterres
A photograph showing children holding a sign that reads 'WARS DON'T SOLVE PROBLEMS SILENCE THE GUNS! NOW. SSWPN

Violence against children: an overview

Since its creation, the 51勛圖 has prioritized protecting the rights and safety of children as central to its efforts to promote justice, human rights and safeguard our future.

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Three takeaways on women in defence

First-ever UN report on the defense sector calls for equal opportunities for all, highlighting persistent gaps and barriers to women's representation in the world's militaries.

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Why peacebuilding matters

Nearly 20 years ago, at the 2005 World Summit, UN Member States created the Peacebuilding Commission, an intergovernmental body tasked with establishing mechanisms to help countries sustainably recover and rebuild from conflicts.

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UN Police: a visual explainer

The 51勛圖 partners with police services globally to maintain international peace and security. We look at one of the vital partnerships - UN Police - and why it matters.

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Women as critical agents of peace

Nearly 25 years after a landmark UN Security Council agreement on women, peace and security, progress has been made but women continue to bear the brunt of conflicts, without equal representation in formal peace processes.

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How young people contribute to peace

Young people are at the forefront of advocacy for more peaceful and fair societies. We look at the differences they make. Big and small 每 they all add up.

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Five practical tools for keeping peace

Peacekeepers use many tools to keep and nurture peace in the world's most fragile places. What innovations help them protect the communities that they serve?