A/76/302 be prosecuted and sanctioned, and compensation be granted to victims. She highlighted the innovative character of the general recommendation that addressed, for the first time, the discriminatory outcomes of algorithmic profiling and predictive policing. She expressed concern about the increased use by law enforcement of big data, artificial intelligence, facial recognition and other new technology that risked deepening already-existing biases and discriminatory practices. 22. A Member of the European Parliament and Co-President of the Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup, Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, presented recent developments in Europe in the area of anti-racial discrimination. She welcomed the adoption b y the European Commission of its first action plan against racism and the adoption of the European Parliament resolution of 26 March 2019 on fundamental rights of people of African descent in Europe. She noted that initiatives to promote diversity within European Union institutions were under discussion. She expressed concern about the disproportionate impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on people from minorities and called upon the European Union and Governments to better take into account the situation of visible minorities when putting in place actions aimed at reducing inequalities and tackling poverty. 23. A lecturer at De La Salle University and human rights advocate at African Diaspora Insight, John Phillip Binondo, discussed the situation of people of African descent in the Asia-Pacific region. He explained that, while the lack of historical account, recognition and disaggregated data made people of African descent invisible in this region, they faced prejudice, bias and discrimination that prevente d them from realizing their full potential. He stressed the importance of establishing legal structures that would allow judicial remedies for marginalized and victimized groups. He added that education reforms were necessary to overcome the inherent racia l biases and unconscious prejudice against racial minorities. He called upon Member States from the Asia-Pacific region to ratify and fulfil their obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and to implement the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and the programme of activities of the Decade. He also recommended that States take measures to collect data disaggregated by race and ethnicity. He also called upon the African countries to include the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and the Decade in their bilateral and multilateral relations with Asia -Pacific countries. He concluded by expressing strong support for the establishment of the Permanent Forum of People of African Descent and the creation of a fund for people of African descent. 24. During the interactive dialogue, the members of the Working Group commended the Committee’s adoption of general recommendation No. 36 (2020) as important to addressing deeply entrenched racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. The Chair of the Working Group noted its far-reaching and pervasive impact. In response, Ms. Shepherd explained that lack of understanding of systemic racism was due mainly to the fact that the lessons from history remained unknown and unaddressed. She stressed the need for apologies and reparations. Mr. Binondo further elaborated on the importance of enhancing knowledge and knowledge production about people of African descent living in the Asia-Pacific region. 25. The representative of the Group of African States and South Africa reiterated that the midterm review of the Decade and the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action were critical to efforts to promote the full enjoyment of human rights by people of African descent. The representative of Brazil expressed strong support for negotiations on a draft United Nations declaration on the promotion of and full respect for the human rights of people of African descent and the establishment of the Permanent Forum of People of African Descent. The United Nations Population Fund presented its work in support of people of African descent and against racism. The United Nations Office 8/22 21-11641