A/HRC/10/66 page 7 need for disaggregated data as an important tool for combating racial discrimination in all pertinent areas. She noted that it is important to create the previously proposed racial equality index. An increased number of special measures is also needed in order to ensure equal representation of all groups in the field of law enforcement. Ms. Najcevska pointed out that it is essential to identify mechanisms for implementation of the recommendations of the Working Group and respective monitoring. In this regard, certain national bodies can perform these functions. 31. The Chairperson of the Working Group opened the floor to debate on the theme of administration of justice. 32. With regard to the issue of the creation of a racial equality index, an observer mentioned that there is an index that is developed in the area of health and that the World Health Organization (WHO) issues reports that might be useful in this context. It was noted that such an index should be developed at an international level in order to avoid technical or methodological variations from one country to another. A permanent international body should be in charge of monitoring the implementation of such an index and assisting Member States to collect information. The Chairman of the Working Group noted that the development of the racial equality index is linked to the issue of good practices. 33. The need for specific training of lawyers and judges of African descent was identified as important due to the fact that they are not equally represented in the law enforcement systems. Racism and health 34. Ms. Biswas, expert of the Working Group, presented a summary of former recommendations of the Working Group on the issue of health of people of African Descent. She noted that in many developed countries people of African descent experience inferior health in comparison to other population groups. Their health is substantially affected by poverty, an inability to have proper medical insurance, a high rate of unemployment, lower levels of education and a lack of access to accurate information. Systematically collected and disaggregated data is needed in order to improve the health of people of African descent. Deteriorating socio-economic conditions need to be reversed, accurate information to be widely provided and special measures to be implemented in order to increase access to higher education and also to healthcare services. 35. The Chairperson of the Working Group opened the floor to debate on the theme of racism and health. 36. An observer noted that health reflects the extent of substantive equality. People of African descent can enjoy better health and can adopt healthier habits when socio-economic determinants of health are improved by governments. 37. A comment was made regarding the presence of institutionalized racism in some developed countries. It was noted that when certain epidemics and health problems affect people of African descent and/or Hispanic population groups, they do not enjoy the same access to healthcare services and information as other groups.

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