A/HRC/20/35 D. Persons with disabilities 87. Since the earthquake of 12 January 2010, the Independent Expert has constantly paid attention to the issue of persons with disabilities, and has commended the work of several NGOs.24 He was also able to meet with the Secretary of State for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities on several occasions to discuss the measures that should be implemented to ensure that public policy takes into account the discrimination faced by persons with disabilities. 88. In his meetings in the various capital cities with the agencies responsible for reconstruction, the Independent Expert regretted that the applicable standards for buildings were not always taken into account, despite the fact that the reconstruction of Port-auPrince presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate that the discrimination suffered by persons with disabilities is a thing of the past. E. Forced return 89. Having received information from several countries on the situation of Haitians forced to return, and at the request of the Haitian authorities, the Independent Expert decided to publish a specific report on this issue (A/HRC/20/35/Add.1). The aim is not to call into question the legitimate concerns of States regarding the control of migration flows, but rather to inform the Human Rights Council of the reality of this situation and the measures taken by States expelling Haitians, by documenting the legal issues, and specifically means of appeal against expulsion. The report also aims to demonstrate the impact of forced returns of Haitians on Haitian society, particularly on families living in extremely precarious situations. It also studies the impact, in terms of security, of returning Haitians who may be dangerous once they have served prison sentences in countries of emigration. 90. The Independent Expert reiterates the recommendations contained in his report of 2010 (A/HRC/14/44/Add.1, paras. 41–42), in which he asks all States to adopt a flexible and generous attitude towards Haitians seeking refuge in other countries. He recommends that all States should ensure that returns, when they must take place, are carried out in compliance with the relevant legal obligations and in such a way as to place no additional burden on the country. F. Cholera 91. At the end of 2011, almost 514,000 cases of cholera had been registered and just over 6,900 persons had died since the beginning of the epidemic.25 Fortunately, though, the mortality rate had fallen from 2.4 per cent at the end of 2010 to 1.3 per cent at the end of 2011. Despite the stabilization in the number of cases registered in recent months, epidemiologists note that new peaks cannot be ruled out, if only due to the number of families living in camps, where health and hygiene conditions are deteriorating as humanitarian agencies withdraw. The lack of latrine maintenance, repair and drainage services is conducive to the spread of cholera. While the majority of humanitarian agencies 24 25 GE.12-13208 Notably Handicap International in Port-au-Prince, which has now transferred its activities to a welltrained and well-supervised Haitian organization that is carrying out some remarkable work (Healing Hands). Figures published by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on 6 December 2011. 17