E/CN.4/2003/21 page 6 23. The observer for Costa Rica agreed that there was a link between poverty and imprisonment rates and stated that it was time to move from specific recommendations to action. He stated that the administration of justice and the role of education were very important because they provided the knowledge and ability to defend one’s rights. He added that experienced regional organizations and institutes should be engaged for their expertise. 24. A number of other observers for non-governmental organizations made general comments on the issues of racial profiling, disproportionate imprisonment amongst people of African descent (particularly young people), the trend of privatizing prisons for profit, the constitution of juries and issues of bias, as well as access by people of African descent to legal education and the legal profession. 25. At the second meeting, Ms. Zlătescu introduced agenda item 5 (c) concerning the submission of “recommendations on the design, implementation and enforcement of effective measures to eliminate racial profiling of people of African descent”. She underscored the need for the elimination of persistent racial images and stereotypes, which are at the foundation of racial profiling. She highlighted the role of the media and stated that to understand the present one must look at history, even if it appeared to be very distant. 26. The observer for Haiti pointed to the need to counteract negative profiling with positive images by highlighting the contribution of people of African descent in all spheres and in all sectors of every society. 27. Some non-governmental observers pointed to the negation of African-descent culture by the mass media, and the need to address this bias and exclusion manifest in written and published materials, schoolbooks and print journalism. It was also added that there was a need to look into the psychological aspects of this negative profiling. 28. At its third and fourth meetings, the Working Group considered agenda items 5 (d) (i), (ii) and (iii) concerning the elaboration of short-, medium- and long-term proposals for the elimination of racial discrimination against people of African descent, including proposals for a mechanism to monitor and promote all their human rights, bearing in mind the need for close collaboration with international and development institutions and the specialized agencies of the United Nations system to promote the human rights of people of African descent. 29. Mr. Kasanda introduced the items briefly and pointed to the need for effective poverty reduction strategies at the national and international levels. In this regard, he discussed the possibility of joint and comprehensive programming by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations, as well as the need for funding at the national level. 30. Mr. Jabbour noted the widespread economic disadvantage experienced by many people of African descent and mentioned that perhaps a “Marshall Plan” stemming from “ethical responsibility” could be instituted to help the poorest of the poor. He agreed with Mr. Kasanda on increasing the role of financial and development institutions in helping to address the situation of people of African descent in the various regions of the world.