violence have not been resolved. They may be reluctant or unable to return home where they have become even more marginalized because the conflict or disaster has for instance changed the demographics of an area. Local integration and settlement in new communities can be particularly challenging for minorities who are IDPs and refugees, as they need to adapt to new environments, with no support networks, and may be victims of discrimination with host communities. It is not only in conflict situations when minorities are at heightened risk to be caught up in humanitarian crises. I observed that minority communities may also be more vulnerable to disasters, brought about by natural or man-made hazards, as they may be both inadequately prepared for such emergencies, and disproportionately affected by them. Studies reveal that minority communities are less likely to be equal beneficiaries of adequate humanitarian aid and/or rehabilitation when or after disasters strike. There are long lasting consequences for failing to properly integrate principles of non-discrimination and the protection of minorities into disaster response planning. If minorities perceive themselves to have received lesser treatment during such disasters, this may fuel not only distrust in authorities but could actively contribute to deepening tensions between minorities and other communities or the State. This Forum will not only consider all these complex challenges and discriminatory patterns against minority groups but will also formulate important recommendations on how to build resilient and prepared minority communities able to actively respond when crises strike; and if and when a crisis occurs, to provide timely, appropriate assistance that is relevant to minority communities’ specific needs. The draft recommendations highlight the primary responsibility of the State while also addressing National Human Rights Institutions, UN entities, international and locally based humanitarian and development actors, regional organisations, NGOs, minority groups and other non-state actors. The recommendations take a chronological approach, traversing the three stages of humanitarian crises: prevention and timely action before the crisis occurs, the immediate and ongoing response to and management of the crisis, and the post-crisis recovery. As you will see, the draft recommendations address a wide range of crisis situations, some of which will affect the broader population and not only minorities. I believe that a human rights-based approach to the delivery of humanitarian aid should apply to all people affected by a crisis; however, the particular aim of these recommendations is to ensure that minorities are not further marginalised or discriminated against before, during or after a conflict, disaster, pandemic or other humanitarian crisis. I would like to stress that 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 implementing the recommendations should also have a gender-sensitive approach, as minority women and girls are often particularly negatively impacted by disasters and conflicts, and may be exposed to multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. This Forum constitutes a unique opportunity to hear all your voices. Therefore, I would like to invite all participants to actively contribute to the discussions and to the elaboration of the final recommendations, which will be presented to the Human Rights Council next March. I once again thank you, welcome you all and wish all of us a fruitful and enriching session over the coming two days.