A/HRC/10/66 page 8 38. A delegate pointed out that health should be looked at in its entirety and governments need to address the root causes of health problems such as education, marginalization and access to schools and healthcare services. 39. A comment was made regarding linkages between crops, traditional healing and the health of some population groups. Forced displacement, disruption of social networks, violence and the imposition of crops for cultivation deplete resources and deteriorate people’s health. Respect for culture and involvement of local communities in development projects need to be taken into consideration. Racism and employment 40. Ms. Sahli, expert of the Working Group, made a presentation on the issue of employment of women of African descent. She noted that women are victims of multiple forms of discrimination on the grounds of their descent, gender and level of education. They are also more marginalized in comparison to men and subject to harmful religious and cultural practices. Girls are less often sent to school and are the first ones to be withdrawn. Literacy programmes for women and girls of African descent are vital for their advancement. Women have to be accepted on an equal footing with men in the labor market and receive equal remuneration. Positive measures have to be adopted in order to achieve gender equality. Literacy campaigns and equal working opportunities are needed. 41. The Chairperson of the Working Group opened the floor to debate on the theme of employment of people of African descent. 42. A comment was made regarding the vulnerability and abuse of female domestic workers and the urgency to address their situation. 43. An observer noted that a more nuanced approach can be more efficient in some countries as there are cases when men of African descent suffer from a higher unemployment rate in comparison to women. In this regard, a study is needed on how the issue of gender works differently for people of African descent in the developed countries. 44. Another observer mentioned that a constructive approach focusing on achievements of women might also have a positive impact, increasing motivation and commitment. 45. A comment was made regarding the need for political will to promote dialogue between different population groups and institutions. In multiethnic societies governments have to be aware of the needs of the entire population. 46. A comment was made regarding the linkages between administration of justice and employment of people of African descent. It was noted that the disproportionate level of incarceration of young men of African descent has a detrimental impact on their career perspectives. 47. There was also a comment that in addition to the gendered approach to employment, the residence of the targeted groups should be also taken into considerations as employment opportunities for men and women vary between urban and rural areas.