A/HRC/28/76 (c) Cultural patterns that allow women and men to participate equally in decision-making processes at home and in the community on health and other issues need to be taken into account. 68. Measures to rebuild local communities following their destruction by disasters are essential. Affected populations are, as a result, forced to live in a totally new environment, such as in temporary housing units, shelters and camps. It is recognized fact that, although affected populations are expected to build a new community themselves, not all of them can adjust to a new environment. 69. Individuals, as rights-holders, have the right to participate in the design and evaluation of policies relating to their resettlement. The participation of victims and affected persons ensures the transparency of administration and contributes to the sustainability of humanitarian aid, relief and recovery actions. Local authorities have the obligation to consult and involve the persons concerned during the early stages to avoid a further gap in communication with beneficiaries. 70. The private sector and civil society also play and important role. States, for instance, can promote prior agreements with companies 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 hinder access to food to millions of people, even when products are available. In addition, the final increase in food prices does not correspond to prices of producers, who continue to earn very little from selling their crops, and thus perpetuates their poverty and worsens their situation in emergencies. C. Gender focus 71. One best practice identified from the responses received concerned the consideration of gender issues in disaster responses; for example, the provision of personal hygiene kits, food and water supplies, differentiated between men and women. 72. A gender-based approach takes into account the specific needs of women; for example, more toilets need to be built for women because they usually carry their children with them. While the “code of conviviality” establishes that common kitchen brigades should be mixed to favour gender equality, shelters should have separate restrooms for men and women, and a private room for intimate cleaning for women. Protection mechanisms for gender-based violence and rape are another example. Women and girls, and in particular those with disabilities, often are victims of not only rape and sexual harassment but also trafficking and negative coping strategies. For example, they may be at a high risk of sexual assault when they collect water or go to the restroom; good lighting is therefore essential. 73. As women, girls, older persons and children are also at risk of domestic violence, centres for psychological assistance and legal aid ought to be in place. Shelters for women and children survivors of violence could be considered part of humanitarian aid. 74. There is a need to develop thematic guidelines on female empowerment, and on children and persons with disabilities in post-disaster and post-conflict situations. With regard to children, special attention should be paid to former child soldiers and victims of any form of violence. Secure playing areas for children and parents need to be put in place in order to encourage solidarity and to ensure the mental health of affected persons. 75. Women’s involvement in the delivery of humanitarian aid supplies and arrangements is important in order to avoid preferential treatment towards men and for women’s empowerment in the community. Women should not have to bear the burden of caring alone for their families; they should not be sexually abused in return for food or other kinds of assistance; they need to have the same access to services and assistance as 18