A/HRC/34/68 occurs, immediate and ongoing response to and management of the crisis, and post-crisis recovery. However, it should be noted that the distinction between the three stages is not always clear in many situations. For instance, in situations of protracted displacement, populations can be considered as being simultaneously in the post-crisis phase of an earlier crisis and at the crisis prevention stage of potential future crises. 16. All measures taken should, to the fullest extent possible, be developed, designed, implemented, monitored and evaluated in consultation with, and with the effective participation of, minorities. Measures taken to implement the recommendations should also have an age- and gender-sensitive approach, as certain groups within minority communities, such as women and girls, are often particularly negatively affected by disasters and conflicts, and may be exposed to multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.8 17. Most of the recommendations apply equally to State as well as non-State actors, as appropriate. Some recommendations reflect the specific responsibilities of States; however, in situations where — due to the circumstances of the crisis or other factors — non-State actors have de facto control of the territory where minority groups are present or otherwise fulfil roles traditionally associated with State authorities, such non-State actors should comply with the recommendations set out below for States. 18. At all stages, minority communities are encouraged to take an active role in planning to prevent and reduce the risk of humanitarian crises that may affect them. They should also seek to determine and participate in measures to support their communities during crises, to continually document and report on their needs and status during and following a crisis and to communicate with local or international officials (where this does not create or amplify risks to the community or its members) or with relevant humanitarian organizations. 19. Managing crises is about ensuring the adequate distribution of goods and services essential to meet basic needs, but also about transparency of operations and access to information with regard to the situation, including the situation of minorities. In this respect, all actors, including States, national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, United Nations and other international organizations engaged in development and humanitarian activities should engage in monitoring and reporting within their own jurisdiction. The role of civil society, including with regard to monitoring, reporting and data collection, must be particularly supported throughout all the stages of humanitarian crises. 20. Regional organizations need to reinforce their role as guarantors of minority rights in humanitarian crises, drawing on their cultural and geographical proximity to the people affected by the crisis and their long-term relations with regional governments. 21. Ongoing discussions concerning the involvement of the private sector in humanitarian relief should include specific consideration of the potential benefits, risks, principles and best practices of such involvement in relation to the rights of minorities. 8 See Oxfam, “Gender issues in conflict and humanitarian action”, Humanitarian policy note, November 2013. Available at www.oxfam.org/sites/www.oxfam.org/files/hpn-gender-conflicthumanitarian-action-291113-en.pdf. 5