A/66/256 impact of armed conflict on children in an effective, sustainable and comprehensive manner”. The United Nations system and the international community more widely must support the efforts of Governments in building societies that are resilient during conflict, including by contributing to economic development and equity, while supporting initiatives to strengthen social justice and accountability. B. Prevention of violations and abuses against children 50. At the strategic level, clearly the most effective way of protecting children from the scourge of war is by mitigating the outbreak of armed conflict. Conflict prevention means addressing the root causes of violence and promoting sustainable and equitable human development. As identified in the Machel study and the 2007 10-year review of that study (see A/62/228), sustainable conflict prevention and peacebuilding require going beyond political settlements and strengthening the key vectors of peace, including good governance; the creation of an accountable, legitimate and rule-based security sector; an independent and effective judicial system; the delivery of basic social services; and the creation of an economic environment conducive to employment and wealth creation. 51. Studies suggest that there is a strong correlation between a disproportionately large youth population and civil strife. While demographics alone do not instigate conflict, systematically engaging and targeting young people as the beneficiaries of development programmes, particularly in countries with a youth bulge, could mitigate the risk. The need to promote youth employment and the development of skills among young people during peacetime and in post-conflict periods must be an important component of reconstruction and development strategies. 52. The above are broad and long-term measures that States affected by conflict must address progressively, with the sustained support of the international community. A number of more direct protective steps may be taken by national actors, with international support. During conflict, the creation of child protection networks may assist in helping communities to better protect their children. These networks alert the community to threats or violations and can help develop a community-based response to the consequences of violence. They can also help prevent abuses by raising awareness and forging linkages with entities that can provide protection. Being able to rely on a network of support makes children feel more secure and provides a mechanism for assistance when violations or abuses are committed against them. 53. At the start of any conflict, community leaders should be persuaded to make a special effort to negotiate with parties to ensure that schools are designated as “zones of peace” and are not the targets of attacks or use by military forces or armed groups. In this way, children will be free to pursue their education without abuse or violence. Community-based action to protect schools is another way in which to ensure that children are safe. Maintaining a degree of normalcy in the lives of children during conflict, through the continuation of schooling, sustains their development, while protecting them from recruitment by armed actors. 12 11-44370