A/HRC/28/55 violence and homicide. Structural violence associated with marginalization, social exclusion and lack of opportunities was a constant concern echoed by the children, and indigenous children and those of African descent were recognized as being particularly at risk of violence in schools and on the streets. In Europe, violence in schools, domestic violence, early pregnancy and child marriage ranked high amongst children’s concerns, while children belonging to ethnic minorities, including the Roma community, were considered at particular risk of violence, discrimination and exclusion. 37. The third message strongly conveyed by children was that violence constitutes not only a crucial priority that the post-2015 development agenda should specifically address, but also a cross-cutting concern that other development goals need to take into consideration. Thus, while placing special emphasis on the role of education in preventing and addressing violence, they highlighted the fact that violence is widespread in schools, compromising child development and well-being. Violence prevention was a dimension that, in their view, public health systems should consider. Violence was equally felt to undermine gender equality and empowerment, and social practices and beliefs compromise girls’ confidence and ability to report incidents of violence, at times leading to school dropout. Moreover, children recognized that violence and poverty are closely related and both can lead to high risks of poor child health, failing school performance, social exclusion and welfare dependency. 38. As the report powerfully illustrates, children are seriously engaged in the post-2015 development process and have a clear vision for the future: they want to enjoy a safe and healthy life, free from all forms of violence. 39. Those important dimensions need to be preserved in the finalization and implementation of the sustainable development goals. Indeed, freedom from violence is indispensable to sustainable development, to a future in which children can grow up healthy, well-nourished, resilient, well-educated, culturally sensitive and effectively protected from neglect, abuse and exploitation. 40. The views expressed by children find an echo in the outcome document that the intergovernmental Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals submitted to the General Assembly.12 In fact, particular emphasis is placed on violence against children in the document, both as a target under goal 16 on peaceful and inclusive societies, and as a cross-cutting dimension of other goals, including education, gender equality and empowerment and decent work. 41. Violence against girls and boys is also a concern echoed by the Secretary-General in his report mentioned in paragraph 3 above. 42. As the international community moves forward in the shaping of the global post2015 development agenda, Member States’ decisive voices and influence are needed to promote an agenda that bridges development and children’s rights concerns, and is guided by the best interests of the child. 43. To leverage progress in the years to come, three important steps remain critical: (a) Firstly, to mobilize the voice and commitment of leaders in all areas to advocate for the elimination of violence against children to be preserved as a distinct target, as well as a cross-cutting concern in other goals related to education, health, gender equality and decent work. Political support and secure resources are indispensable to achieve that aim. 12 8 See http://srsg.violenceagainstchildren.org/document/a-68-l61_1166.