A/71/279 conflicts demonstrates, not all can be prevented or easily resolved, some conflict and violence can be prevented. It requires political will and leadership, but also concerted and timely action, strategic planning, institutional and governance structures and dedicated resources. With these in place, States can take effective steps in the area of prevention of conflict and internal displacement. 27. A deeper understanding of the causes of conflict and displacement is required. The Special Rapporteur has highlighted that where a history of violence or conflict exists, perhaps along ethnic or religious lines or due to general or gang viole nce that has led to population displacements, Governments can take concrete national measures to prevent violent clashes and displacement in the future. Such measures may include specific protection and policing initiatives to safeguard vulnerable communities, anti-discrimination and social integration policies, dialogue and reconciliation initiatives aimed at reducing the possibility of violence breaking out, as well as economic or social policies to remove the triggers of violence that may exist in such issues as poverty, discrimination or inequality. 28. Carrying out risk assessments to identify communities that may be at risk of conflict and displacement would enable Governments to put in place effective prevention measures or to respond rapidly with co ntingency planning in place when displacement occurs. Prevention requires the identification of who may be at risk of displacement, where they are, and why, as well as an assessment of what preventive measures are required. In his 2016 report to the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/32/35) the Special Rapporteur urged greater understanding of the vulnerability of some disadvantaged and marginalized groups to violence and displacement, including ethnic and religious mi norities and indigenous peoples. 29. Establishing early warning mechanisms for conflict and resulting displacement based on research and indicators can be helpful in predicting and preventing displacement. Indicators may include a history of ethnic, religi ous or other conflict or violence; significant social inequality between groups; the exclusion (in law or in fact) of some groups from political office, positions of power or employment in state institutions; evidence of discrimination and violent attacks against those belonging to certain groups; and identification of conflict and displacement triggers such as elections, among many others. 30. Improved political leadership must be reflected in the recognition of national challenges, including internal displacement, and a political resolve to address them comprehensively. In numerous States, including those affected by generalized, gang-related, ethnic or other forms of violence, large-scale internal displacement issues are not fully recognized or addressed. Consequently, legal and policy safeguards and protection and assistance measures are absent and some States avoid their primary responsibility for protecting and assisting internally displaced persons. While some States downplay the extent of displacement, others close sites or camps hosting internally displaced persons without achieving durable solutions. Recognizing internal displacement is a prerequisite to preventing and reducing it, including through durable solutions. B. Upholding the norms that safeguard humanity 31. A consistent message of the Summit was that full respect for and implementation of international law, including international humanitarian law and 16-13413 9/25