E/CN.4/2004/21
page 19
110. At the fifteenth meeting, the Working Group considered a revised set of conclusions and
recommendations. Mr. Kasanda made a closing statement in which he recapitulated the main
presentations and points made during the meeting and thanked participants for their comments,
ideas and constructive working spirit. He briefly discussed the organization of future work of
the Working Group, which would include consultations with the African Union, the
European Union and other intergovernmental organizations, as well as possibly one or two
regional round tables. The report of the third session, as well as the conclusions and
recommendations of the Working Group, would be submitted to the Commission on
Human Rights at its sixtieth session.
III. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING
GROUP OF EXPERTS ON PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT
111. At its third session, the Working Group agreed on the set of conclusions and
recommendations set out below, and in accordance with its mandate proposes them to the
Commission on Human Rights:
The Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent,
Having convened its third session from 29 September to 10 October 2003 at the
United Nations Office at Geneva,
Having taken into account the recommendations that were made at its first and
second sessions (see E/CN.4/2003/21),
Having considered the different presentations made by the panels on the
administration of justice, the media and education and the statements and submissions
from States, United Nations specialized agencies and non-governmental organizations,
Having taken into account the outcomes of other seminars and workshops
organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights where issues
relating to people of African descent were considered,
Submits the following recommendations to the Commission on Human Rights for
consideration at its sixtieth session:
Administration of justice
1.
Steps should be taken to ensure that people of African descent who lack
adequate resources have free legal aid and that public defenders have the required
competence and adequate cultural training.
2.
Racial equality and diversity should be promoted in the recruitment and
training of law enforcement personnel.
3.
A review should be undertaken of training programmes for immigration
officials with a view to identifying and avoiding discriminatory practices against people
of African descent or other national or ethnic groups and determining whether legislation
or bad practice is the source of any discrimination.