A/71/254
potentially vulnerable groups should be in place and include provisions relating
to the prohibition of unlawful displacement.
102. Humanitarian responders, whether national or international, should also
receive training to better understand the minority rights framework in order to
be able to better identify discrimination against minorities in situations of
crisis, and to be better equipped to be able adequately to respond to their
needs. Recruitment of minorities into humanitarian agencies should be
encouraged.
103. In particular, the international community should continue to support
national Governments’ humanitarian response capacity, through training,
technical assistance, financial commitments, with a view to strengthening
national protection and response mechanisms on minorities in situations of
crises; addressing the immediate humanitarian and protection needs of affected
minorities; and promoting durable solutions for affected minorities. Just as
humanitarian agencies have gender focal points and gender policies, it could be
useful to establish similar organizational structure and policies for minorities.
104. In terms of disasters, all actors should strive to mitigate the adverse
impact of natural hazards on communities, for example through effective
disaster risk reduction and mitigation measures, especially in areas prone to
recurrent disasters, through including minorities in disaster risk reduction
programmes from the outset. Overall, the Special Rapporteur notes that much
can be done to anticipate and address the needs of at risk minorities during
catastrophic events. Adequate planning will go far to minimize the extent to
which these groups suffer disproportionately and experience devastating
outcomes. Responsible emergency preparedness and response efforts that
incorporate a minority rights approach, ensuring that minority voices can raise
their concerns and opinions regarding relief and recovery efforts, can be
critical to preventing disasters from having a disproportionate impact on, or
further ravaging the lives of minority communities.
16-13193
25/25