A/HRC/27/57 increased in the affected communities because some people are injured and need specialized assistance and resources, such as transportation and medical support.37 56. Indigenous peoples and minorities have traditionally been excluded from development. Their settlements are mainly in rural areas, which are prone to natural hazards, and they often live in significant poverty. Both situations place them at risk in disasters and conflicts. It is important to recognize, better understand and increase indigenous knowledge about mechanisms established for disaster risk reduction.38 57. There is a need to devote specific attention to the LGBT population, particularly in post-disaster and post-conflict situations. Stigmatization and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation increase gender-based violence in post-conflict and post-disaster situations, negatively affecting LGBT persons in the provision of food assistance, shelters and humanitarian aid. B. Lessons learned 1. Participation of affected communities and people 58. Humanitarian assistance needs to take into account legal, social, political, ethical and cultural relations. In the legal framework, it is essential to emphasize that the State is the duty bearer, and people and communities are rights-holders and not mere recipients of aid. That should be the central theme in both formal and informal education processes linked to disaster prevention and reduction, rehabilitation and reconstruction. Some initiatives that could be put in place in that regard are: (a) Community participation programmes, which can be developed with rural and indigenous communities, including microzonation with the involvement of concerned communities; (b) Specific school safety plans should be developed; (c) The cultural patterns that allow women and men to participate equally in decision-making on health and other issues in the home and the community need to be taken into account. 59. It is essential to develop measures to help rebuild local communities following their destruction owing to a disaster, when residents are forced to live in a totally new environment, such as a temporary housing unit. It should be highlighted that, although the affected populations are expected to build a new community themselves, not all of them can adjust to a new environment. 60. People as human rights-holders should have the right to participate in the planning of any policies relating to their resettlement, as well as the evaluation of those policies. The participation of victims and affected people ensures the transparency of administration and contributes to the sustainability of humanitarian aid, relief and recovery actions. Local authorities should be involved in the early stages of relevant consultations in order to avoid creating a communication gap with beneficiaries. 61. The role played by the private sector and civil society also needs to be taken into account. With regard to the role of companies, States can promote prior agreements in order to avoid price speculation and shortages, and can also buy from local producers in order to improve the local economy. Rising food prices impede the access to food of millions of 37 38 See www.un.org/disabilities/documents/reports/iddr2013_%20panelreport.pdf. See www.unisdr.org/files/8853_IKPolicyNote.pdf. 17