A/HRC/15/32 hazards and the severity of disasters; and secondly, in the aftermath, to rebuild better facilities rather than merely restore pre-existing ones. Suggestions for improvements include the publication of scientific forecasting of natural disasters, coordination in the implementation of proactive, preventive measures to avoid serious consequences, and the establishment of national and international reserves for prompt and adequate responses. The increase in the magnitude and frequency of disasters has affected the quality of the response of the international community to assist victims. The humanitarian assistance given in recent natural disasters has not been executed in an appropriate manner, since these actions ought to be immediate, viable, adjusted to the actual situation, speedy, preventive, carried out in close coordination with the affected States and at least attempt to reduce human casualties and protect means of survival. It is regrettable that, despite technological advances, accumulated information (technological and scientific knowledge) is not shared with States and regions that are more vulnerable to natural disasters. 18. Some respondents pointed to the need to change the activities that result in “natural” disasters, which are closely linked to industrial production in some parts of the world. Many natural disasters are a result of environmental degradation; international law and specifically international environmental law should therefore have binding agreements and enforcement mechanisms employing the precautionary principle to avoid natural disasters. This would require greater commitment by those responsible. It was pointed out that poor countries do not have the resources to install infrastructure and technical facilities to provide early warning systems, respond to overwhelming conditions following a disaster or rebuild thereafter. Therefore, greater investment and support to prevent and reduce the frequency and severity of natural disasters would be helpful. 19. Some felt that the real issue is global, rather than international solidarity. One respondent expressed belief in allegiance to humanity and social affiliation rather than to the nation State. It was suggested that there should be provision in every national constitution making a commitment to humanitarian disaster relief to countries in need, but that the will of the people must underlie such a notion. To have such a popular consensus, it was felt that we need to start with children, teaching them the value of treating others as oneself, as represented by millennia of spiritual wisdom. Friendship and tolerance among nations is also a fundamental value that needs to be taught. Trust and confidence should form the basis for global solidarity. 2. Poverty alleviation 20. Some respondents viewed solidarity as a principle born together with international human rights law through the pursuit of peace among nations. However, it lacks visibility in current human rights instruments because it has no binding force. International solidarity is the only way to alleviate poverty, including extreme poverty. Solidarity is not just an occasional action in favour of those who are sometimes in need, but rather a fundamental conception of human relations among persons, groups and nations. It is a basic moral principle found in virtually all major religions and cultures, namely, to treat others as you would have them treat you. Without this new spirit of communion in international relations, especially in international economic relations, it will be impossible to eradicate poverty and reduce the gap between rich and poor, both nationally and internationally. Solidarity requires peaceful coexistence, friendly relations and cooperation between States and others, as well as socially just economic and social institutional arrangements. International solidarity is a key approach to poverty eradication, as stated in the Kyiv Declaration of 2008. 21. Given that close to 1 billion people live on less than $2 per day, overly represented in the so-called “global south”, this right can help to eradicate what is largely a North/South divide. This situation does not negate the fact that, within countries too, there is a gross GE.10-14914 7