A/66/256 situations of armed conflict account for one third of those living in extreme poverty, half of the children with no access to primary education and half of the children who die before their fifth birthday. While not all poor children in conflict situations become soldiers, poverty is an important motivating factor for children to join armed forces and groups. In some areas, poverty means a lack of access to education and other basic social services and few opportunities for employment and income generation. Children, often with the encouragement of parents and the incitement of armed actors, become combatants in the hope that they will be well fed, housed and protected. 46. Perceptions of discrimination, social injustice, political exclusion and economic disparity are often motivating factors for children to join armed groups. Compounded with collective identity, defined often in ethnic, regional or religious terms, these perceptions become potent mobilizers of communities, including children. Loyalty to the group sometimes becomes a bargaining tool for armed groups, and members of the community are called upon to play their part and contribute their children to the struggle. Children are susceptible to these demands, not only as a result of social pressure or a sense of obligation, but also as a consequence of personal injustices suffered. When crimes against children are committed with impunity, many join armed groups motivated by a desire for revenge. 47. The weak writ of the State, particularly in peripheral areas, is another contributing factor to conflict and has played a role in exposing children to violence. Where the State is challenged in its ability to provide security, deliver basic social services, adjudicate on grievances and facilitate economic activity, local communities turn to alternative forms of authority. Traditional governance structures and/or justice mechanisms, may take precedence over weak statutory institutions. However, traditional governance structures are often not underpinned by the normative standards and protection mechanisms facilitated by the State. Where conflict is occurring, local communities also often form self-defence groups and frequently enlist young children in the community to fight and defend them against external threats. 48. In some societies, protracted violent conflict becomes an end in itself, with a political economy driven by the logic of economic gain and political compromise. In such contexts, children are socialized to accept war as the norm, not the exception, and to seek advancement in the structures it creates. Military commanders become role models for children and the military ethos becomes part of everyday life. Joining an armed group may facilitate social mobility, with access to resources and the ability to wield power and influence in the territory under the control of the armed group. In such situations of chronic conflict, joining an armed group may be seen by children as a legitimate avenue of advancement in a society that offers them few other options. 49. The above are some of the key factors which create an environment that is conducive to children being caught up in conflict. Without addressing the conditions which create conflict at the strategic level, children will continue to be victimized by armed conflict. In this regard, as called for by the General Assembly in its resolution 63/241, States must “enhance complementarity and coordination of national policies and strategies related to security, development, human rights and humanitarian issues, with a view to addressing the short-, medium- and long-term 11-44370 11