A/HRC/15/44 30. A protection gap was noted by the mandate holders in terms of policy, legal and implementation frameworks. It was observed that pre-existing patterns of discrimination exacerbated, not intentionally but as a result of bad planning, the limited focus on vulnerable groups, and the inadequacy of national laws to address natural disasters. Preparedness and recovery mechanisms were often not rights-based and accordingly the promotion and protection of all human rights for all without discrimination were frequently not prioritized. The Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons had submitted a report to the Council setting out recommendations for a legal framework to address human rights in natural disasters and rebuilding exercises (A/HRC/10/13/Add.1). Guidelines on incorporating the human rightsbased approach into recovery and rebuilding processes after natural disasters were being drafted. 31. It was proposed that a paradigm shift in responses to natural disasters was required to move from a needs-based approach to a rights-based approach. It was agreed that rebuilding and recovery processes should be transformative. Strategies should include provision in the legal system to address natural disasters when they occur, and the avoidance of implementing strategies that might lead to or perpetuate human rights violations. Consideration should be given to historical dimensions that perpetuated discrimination against vulnerable persons, such as persons of African descent in Haiti. 32. Special procedures needed to demonstrate the value added of the rights-based approach and they also should provide conceptual guidance, from a practical perspective, on ways of addressing immediate needs such as food, water and housing, and on the incorporation of rights-based considerations into short- and long-term planning. Humanitarian agencies mostly employ a needs-based approach, and collaboration and coordination could be enhanced on how to implement the rights-based approach, with due regard being given to addressing immediate needs and the lack of resources in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Issues of addressing sexual violence and the provision of security by multinational private military and security companies remain problematic. 33. Participants emphasized the importance of finding innovative ways of promoting and protecting human rights in the context of natural disasters that went beyond the current methods of work, such as requesting a visit to the country. Coordination among mandates should be enhanced. Expertise and information on the promotion and protection of human rights during pre- and post-recovery, and on coordination with humanitarian agencies, should be collected and made available to all. D. Coordinated follow-up to the work of human rights mechanisms: discussion with OHCHR field presences and headquarters staff on good practices and strategies 34. Representatives of the OHCHR Regional Offices for South-East Asia (Bangkok), Central Africa (Yaoundé), the Middle East and Northern Africa (Beirut) and for Europe (Brussels) and from the OHCHR Office in Colombia briefed participants on their interaction with mandate holders, including assistance provided during country visits, and on their efforts to follow up on recommendations. It was noted how the engagement of mandates could generate synergies with national Governments and create opportunities for local/regional offices, including in the lead-up to and after visits. It was also noted that recommendations of special procedures, treaty bodies and the universal periodic review are valuable for field presences as they allow them to reinforce and advocate for policy change to address human rights issues. 10