A/HRC/10/66 page 4 understood, including the right to development, thanks to the work of human rights bodies. However, much more needs to be done in order to ensure that human rights are enjoyed by everybody. It was mentioned that nowadays challenges are posed, inter alia, by globalization, security threats and climate change. Poverty and disease undermine the full enjoyment of human rights in particular in developing countries. The need for improved synergy between United Nations human rights mechanisms, including special procedures mandate holders, was highlighted. 9. Following the statement of the President of the Human Rights Council, the Coordinator for the Durban Review Conference invited the members of the Working Group to present nominations for a Chairperson. Mr. Joe Frans was elected as Chairperson. 10. Mr. Frans thanked the other members for electing him. He noted that access to education, healthcare services, electricity and potable water and political participation are among the many areas where people of African descent experience unequal treatment. The Chairperson encouraged United Nations bodies to allocate more resources to developing countries. 11. The Chairperson recalled the valuable contribution of the Working Group to the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference. It was mentioned that the present session of the Working Group is the right time to plan for future activities as there are four new members. He noted that the Working Group needs to adopt a workplan for the forthcoming three years as conditions have changed since the adoption of the last workplan, including the renewal and update of the mandate of the Working Group as stipulated in Human Rights Council resolution 9/14. The Chairperson pointed out that country visits are essential for the work of the experts as they are valuable occasions to interact with victims. 12. With regard to the programmed discussion on the situation of children of African descent, Mr. Frans highlighted that they are greatly affected by discriminatory practices. Concerted efforts by all stakeholders are required in order to reduce the vulnerability of these children. 13. Following the statement of the Chairperson, the agenda and programme of work were adopted. Item 5: Review and discussion of the work of previous sessions of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent 14. Mr. Frans introduced agenda item 5 by inviting the members of the Working Group to make brief presentations on certain particularly important themes that have been addressed in previous sessions of the Working Group. 15. Ms. Najcevska said that it was important that the Working Group adopt a practical approach. State institutions can have a direct impact on the situation of people of African descent and institutional changes can be perceived as positive changes. She proposed that the Working Group raise awareness on the issue of multiple forms of discrimination and multiple vulnerability. It was noted that enhanced cooperation with non governmental organizations (NGO) and special procedures is needed. The lack of disaggregated data was also identified as an important issue to be addressed in the future.