A/HRC/7/36 page 4 the Office of the High Commissioner. The Chairperson-Rapporteur thanked the panellists for their presence and future contributions that he knew would enrich the final discussion and the final contribution to the Preparatory Committee. 9. The provisional agenda was adopted. 10. The Chairperson introduced agenda item 5 by calling to the attention of the Working Group the need to encourage discussion and arrive at concrete recommendations to the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference. 11. A statement was made on behalf of the African group to encourage a rich and extensive discussion in order to prevent gaps and ensure the session of the Working Group was brought to a positive end. A desire was also expressed that the Working Group, panellists and State observers should unite to ensure that the Working Group effectively fulfilled its mandate. A. Analysis of conclusions and recommendations made by the Working Group at its previous sessions Item 5 (a) (i): Administration of justice 12. Mr. Frans, member of the Working Group on People of African Descent, presented his paper on the administration of justice. He started his presentation with a brief report of the meeting of the African Union in Paris with people of African descent living in Europe. The objective of that meeting was to create sustainable partnerships between people of African descent around the world and the African continent through a realizable programme of action. In his paper, he highlighted the discrepancies in access to justice for peoples of African descent in comparison with other racial groups within a given society. During his presentation he further highlighted the fact that people of African descent were among the most vulnerable and discriminated groups, and for that reason needed specific legal mechanisms protecting their right not only with regard to adequate and fair trials, but also in all other areas of the justice system. Mr. Frans also mentioned the need to establish and collate best practices from several regions which would be used in effectively combating the scourge of racism. 13. There was general endorsement of the ideas and concepts of Mr. Frans’ presentation. 14. Mr. Kasanda, Chairperson of the Working Group on People of African Descent, opened the floor to debate on the theme of the administration of justice. 15. Several comments were made by members of the floor highlighting not only the lack of access to justice in its administration but also the lack of representation by peoples of African descent in justice systems, judicial appointments, magistrates’ courts and all the way to the high courts of many States. 16. The need for disaggregated information on the presence of people of African descent in the justice system was identified as important. 17. An issue was raised concerning the economic situation of people of African descent in relation to the administration of justice and how a lack of adequate funding had an impact on their right to afford good representation. That situation led to limited or inadequate defence