E/CN.4/2004/21 page 6 20. The observer for South Africa (on behalf of the African Group) stated that he had been asked by the African Group to reiterate the importance of paragraphs 24 and 25 of Commission resolution 2003/30, which expanded the mandate of the Working Group. He had also been asked to emphasize that a strong link between the work of the five independent eminent experts and the Working Group should be established and fostered. 21. The observer for the African Society of Comparative and International Law said that the Working Group should devote more time to proposals that would improve the material situation of people of African descent. Advance notice of the dates of the sessions and better planning so as not to overlap with other United Nations meetings in Geneva would improve the level of participation of NGOs. 22. The observer for Chile suggested that the provisional agenda and the provisional programme of work be placed on the web site in good time. The observers for Mexico, Costa Rica and Brazil agreed that the announcement of the meeting should be disseminated considerably in advance to ensure better representation of people of African descent at the session. 23. At the third meeting, the Chairperson-Rapporteur introduced agenda item 5 and reminded participants of recommendation 21 adopted by the experts at the end of their second session: “a study should be carried out on structural racial discrimination in domestic public defender/legal aid systems in various regions to determine the nature and extent of the problem and make recommendations to Governments who may wish to improve their assistance to competent and effective free legal representation for vulnerable and disadvantaged persons, which are used disproportionately by people of African descent in the justice system”. 24. Mr. Kasanda then welcomed Mr. Frans to his first meeting, and also introduced the panellists who would make presentations on the theme of the administration of justice: Ahmed Othmani of the NGO Penal Reform International (PRI); Kim Taylor-Thompson of the New York University School of Law; and Anne Souleliac, member of the Paris bar. 25. Mr. Othmani introduced his NGO and pointed out that it had been very active on justice issues during the World Conference and had continued afterwards. He presented his paper, entitled “PRI experience: legal aid and access to judicial and legal training” (E/CN.4/2003/WG.20/Misc.1). He stated that it was important to maintain a holistic approach to combating racism in the criminal justice system. Victims must be protected and compensated when their rights were violated by public or private parties in the criminal justice system. He pointed to the essential need for free legal assistance to the poor and to victims, especially in an era of public underfunding and understaffing. Through an international network of public defenders, legal aid organizations and NGOs, Penal Reform International provided support to vulnerable groups without funds or knowledge by helping its country partners adapt local needs/cultures and in accordance with international law. PRI provided training for law enforcement personnel on racism and discrimination, provided information to vulnerable prisoners (including minorities) about their rights and supported the Paralegal Advisory Service.