A/70/289 95. It is equally important to engage with those involved with gangs. Although seen as lawbreakers, they can become influential interlocutors and help to modify gang behaviour and change violent environments. Building safe and nurturing environments for children 96. Accountability and leadership for children need to translate into safe and violent-free environments in their homes, schools and neighbourhoods. 97. The family home is most often a place of safety, protection and learning, but it can also be a place where violence is witnessed, endured and reproduced. Raising children in nurturing and non-violent environments, where human rights are respected, helps to prevent armed violence in the community. The support of the State for parents in their child-rearing responsibilities is vital, both through social policies and universal access to basic social services of quality, and through positive parenting initiatives and guidance to caregivers to enhance their skills in child development, non-violent discipline, promotion of gender equality and non-violent masculine identities. That is particularly needed when families fear for the safety of their children, or require support, healing and closed -door mediation to overcome the distress associated with community violence. 98. The school is especially important for connecting children, families and teachers and in remote areas it can become a bridge between a child’s home and the community. Schools have a unique potential to nurture non-violent behaviour and to change attitudes that condone violence. 99. The promotion of social inclusion, empathy and anger management, mediation and peaceful conflict resolution at school and in the community helps to b uild spaces of coexistence and dialogue, to address grief and to overcome differences, tensions and the stigmatization of children at risk. Age -, gender- and culturally sensitive initiatives provide opportunities to invest in young people’s potential and self-esteem, to express diversity and gain leadership skills through sports and art and to offer a better chance in education and a different path in life. 100. When neighbourhoods and cities are safe, those efforts have a greater chance of succeeding. The commitment to preventing violence and the protection of children can be enhanced and impunity more effectively fought with improved urban governance, trusted authorities, strategic alliances with all parts of society, community surveillance mechanisms and urban design that reduces the opportunities for violence and crime. 101. In communities affected by armed violence, children and young people from marginalized areas are often perceived as a threat to society. Violence drives and is driven by fear and is also associated with an environment of tolerance of violence, an inability to settle conflicts in a peaceful way, lack of confidence in the authorities and fear of reporting, which in turn leads to high levels of impunity. 102. Outreach, awareness-raising, communication and social mobilization strategies are indispensable to countering those trends and promoting change in individual and collective attitudes, beliefs and behaviours. All sectors of society must be involved in the process, including local leaders, religious communities, professional and civic associations, the business sector and the media. Indeed, media organizations may sometimes contribute to the climate of fear, stigmatization and suspicion, but they can also become strategic partners by supporting efforts to address misperceptions, 15-13244 21/25