A/HRC/27/57 46. In addition to the positive examples provided above, it is equally important for national laws to be enacted for disaster prevention, which should make provision for specific allocations in the national budget. A tangible expression of the commitment of States to respecting human rights in humanitarian assistance is the allocation of specific funds in their budgets, earmarked for disaster risk reduction. Evidence abounds on the immediate and direct effects that natural disasters and conflicts have on the economy of communities and countries, in addition to their long-term impact. In most disasters, the bulk of the immediate damage comes from destroyed assets, such as buildings, infrastructure, inventories and crops. Disasters also generate short- and long-term losses in economic activity and income in the affected area, as people and companies lose their means of production and access to markets. Economic activity picks up gradually throughout the years of reconstruction, starting with emergency response and humanitarian assistance. Capital assets can be regenerated through reconstruction investment, which generates income as the work progresses. Climatic disasters such as storms and droughts have, according to one study, a moderate but negative permanent impact on income growth.33 I. Recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review related to humanitarian action 47. Over twenty specific recommendations have been made in the context of the Universal Periodic Review34 in relation to humanitarian action in the context of natural disasters. They relate primarily to improving disaster risk reduction and to ensuring an appropriate response to emergencies, given the vulnerability of certain countries (Bangladesh, Dominica, El Salvador, Haiti, Myanmar, Jamaica, Pakistan, Palau, Philippines, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Viet Nam). 48. Recommendations addressed to the United States of America urged it to increase its development aid, particularly assistance in cases of natural disasters, and to take positive steps with regard to climate change. Kuwait was requested to continue its pioneering role in humanitarian assistance during natural disasters and Cuba was asked to share its experience and best practices in the prevention of and response to hurricanes and other natural disasters. 49. Seven recommendations relate to post-conflict situations and were addressed to France (to continue implementing the national plan on women, peace and security), the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Nepal, the Philippines and Sri Lanka (to protect children’s and women’s rights, ensure women’s participation in the post-conflict, reconstruction and peacebuilding processes and improve access to education, especially in the post-conflict and underdeveloped areas). VI. Human rights aspects of humanitarian action: good practices and challenges A. Vulnerable groups 50. All three phases of humanitarian aid in post-disaster and post-conflict situations — rescue, relief and recovery — are based on the human rights principles of protection, guarantee and respect. Given that the actions of rescue, relief and recovery depend on the 33 34 See www.unescap.org/stat/data/syb2011/II-Environment/Natural-disasters.asp. See www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/UPR/Pages/Documentation.aspx. 15