A/68/267 initiative, she will endeavour to mobilize resources and financial support for the full implementation of action plans. 71. Ending the recruitment and use of children by government forces in conflict will allow Member States and the international community to focus their efforts on strengthening national capacity to prevent the recruitment and use of children in their territory by non-State armed groups and in conformity with the obligations set out in the Optional Protocol, as well as to strengthen the fight against impunity. 72. As reiterated in the declaration of the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the rule of law at the national and international levels (resolution 67/1), respect for human rights, the rule of law and development are interwoven and mutually reinforcing goals. Consistent with this vision, by focusing efforts on the professionalization of State armed forces and promoting full compliance with international children’s rights and protection standards, the 2016 campaign will complement security sector reforms as well as the achievement of broader security, human rights and development goals. B. Supporting the reintegration of children formerly associated with armed groups 73. Children constitute the majority of the population in many conflict and postconflict societies. Conflict destroys social capital and disrupts the development of children and youth, thus acting as a powerful factor of exclusion. Once a conflict has ceased, the lack of educational and socioeconomic opportunities can fuel a legacy of violence and contribute to a relapse into conflict. 74. Addressing the structural causes of fragility to escape “conflict traps” can be achieved only if a country’s long-term recovery efforts include priorities for the successful rehabilitation of the lives of conflict-affected children and young people. While there are several reasons why children join armed forces and groups, poverty a lack of education and limited socioeconomic opportunities have been recognized as an important factor for children’s association with armed forces and groups in conflict-affected and fragile countries. 75. To break this vicious cycle, measures must be put in place to protect children from recruitment and rerecruitment and provide them with viable alternatives. Reintegration can serve as an effective tool for the prevention of recruitment through education, skills training, socioeconomic development for children and community sensitization programmes. With such opportunities, the likelihood that children will return to armed groups or engage in criminal activities is significantly reduced. This, in turn, contributes to the building of resilient communities and to social stability. The effectiveness of reintegration measures depends, however, on their continuity and sustainability, as well as the on extent to which the underlying causes of recruitment are being addressed. 76. The multiple challenges faced by conflict-affected countries cannot be resolved by short-term or partial solutions. Heavy debt burdens, lack of resources and other capacity constraints hinder their ability to provide effective and sustained responses. The Special Representative welcomes the report of the High-level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda (A/67/890, annex), which highlights the importance of including in the agenda beyond 2015 the goal of 13-41862 13/18

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