E/CN.4/2004/21 page 21 13. States should promote crime-control mechanisms based on the use of alternatives to imprisonment in order to reduce the possibility that torture and other cruel or inhuman treatment can be committed. 14. States should reform their judicial procedures with a view to ensuring that no legal value is attached to statements other than those obtained under the rules of due process, as recognized in international human rights instruments. 15. States should study cases of torture to determine whether the victims were targeted because of racial and/or gender discrimination. Rehabilitation centres for victims of torture should publish data on this subject. States should establish such centres where they do not exist. The media 16. The Working Group underlines the importance of responsibility, objectivity, credibility and quality within the media* in order to avoid race-biased reporting and articles. The media should choose the language it uses carefully and avoid “loaded” or negative terminology. 17. States should establish press ombudspersons or institutions such as “quick-response” mechanisms that can respond to stereotypes in the media and provide information to counter them. 18. All media associations and unions should adopt codes of conduct and establish mechanisms to monitor their application. 19. Training and sensitization on the issue of racism and the media should be included in the curriculum at schools of journalism. 20. The media should recruit people of African descent at all levels so as to reflect the diversity of society and, to this end, adopt affirmative action measures when needed. 21. National, regional and international media associations should consider establishing awards for outstanding coverage of issues relating to people of African descent. * The term “media” includes print and electronic media as well as the Internet and advertising.