E/CN.4/2004/21 page 5 13. The Acting High Commissioner stated that the Working Group had “just lived an historic moment”. He thanked Dr. Lara and Ambassador Charles for enlightening the Group about the links between the Haitian events of 200 years ago and human rights. He stated that the United Nations, as an international organization, was looking at how to commemorate the bicentennial of the Haitian revolution and the abolition of slavery. 14. Mr. Borges Martins also thanked Dr. Lara, stating that it was very important that the international community mark Haiti’s bicentennial in 2004 as it was “one of the greatest episodes in the human struggle for freedom”. Mr. Jabbour urged the League of Arab States, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, as well as Arab cultural and educational organizations to commemorate this important event as well. Ms. Zlătescu stated that much information was missing about this important historical event and suggested that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization continue to support, publish and disseminate this history. 15. The Chairperson-Rapporteur introduced the provisional agenda and programme of work (E/CN.4/2003/WG.20/2). He proposed that no meetings be held on the second day of the session (30 September) so as to allow participants to attend the one-day informal meeting of the Commission on Human Rights. The provisional agenda was adopted and the programme of work was approved and adopted as amended. 16. Several observer delegations welcomed the appointment of Mr. Frans. The observer for Costa Rica emphasized that it would be worthwhile to invite UNESCO to participate in the Working Group on 7 October, particularly since the theme would be “access to education and information technology”. When informed by the Chair that UNESCO had been invited but were unable to attend, the Chair was asked to inquire about its attendance once again. 17. The observer for South Africa (on behalf of the African Group) expressed his appreciation for the programme of work, in that it would look at the administration of justice and access to education. He stated that it was important to ensure collaboration so that “all material conditions of people of African descent were addressed” and that the Group’s work should aim to make a “positive impact on people’s daily lives”. He indicated that the experts might wish to link their work with that of the newly established group of five independent eminent experts, and asked that the latter’s recent summary document be made available to the Working Group. 18. At its second meeting, the Working Group held a general debate on the implementation of its mandate, as established by Commission resolution 2002/68, endorsed by resolution 2002/270 of the Economic and Social Council and revised by Commission resolution 2003/30. 19. The observer for Uruguay described a number of national initiatives being undertaken by the Government to address the issues affecting people of African descent in Uruguay. He stated that in cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), his Government had organized a regional workshop on affirmative action in May 2003. He encouraged the experts to consider the recommendations of that workshop. The Chairperson-Rapporteur expressed appreciation and said that he would be pleased to see more regional Governments take action along those lines.