A/HRC/18/35/Add.6 Kanak culture and heritage 83. France and the Government of New Caledonia should make all necessary efforts to increase understanding and valorization of Kanak culture by New Caledonia society in general, for example through innovative education curricula, radio programs and other means. In order to assist in addressing ongoing concerns related to Kanak culture and heritage, the Customary Senate should be granted more of a leadership role in the Agency for the Development of Kanak Culture. Social and economic disparities 84. Overall, Kanaks suffer poor social and economic conditions, especially in relation to the other demographic groups in New Caledonia. In order to better assess the conditions of the Kanak people and develop adequate policies and programmes to address those conditions, the Government of France should encourage the collection and publication of ethnically disaggregated statistical data on socio-economic indicators. The Special Rapporteur believes that access to such data would further, rather than violate, the French constitutional pledge of equality. 85. The Special Rapporteur applauds the decision to direct resources to providing public services to the spontaneous settlements of Greater Nouméa, and the initiative to adapt housing policy to the social and cultural patterns characterized by the kanak culture.86. The competent authorities should immediately implement the projected six-year clean-up of the Bay of Tindu and develop a rapid-response process to ensure that any future water contaminations are cleaned up within a shorter time frame. 87. Available health statistics raise serious concerns that, despite relatively high levels of health available in New Caledonia, Kanaks are not receiving the standard of health services received by other groups. The competent authorities should continue efforts to improve the delivery of health services to Kanak people and every effort should be employed to enhance Kanak participation in the formation of health policy and delivery of services, including with a view to better incorporating traditional Kanak health practices. 88. In consultation with Kanak leaders, the French and New Caledonia Governments should redouble efforts to address the problem of high rates of incarceration among Kanak people, especially youth. The Special Rapporteur welcomes the ongoing improvements at the Camp Est Prison to bring the facility up to international standards. He is encouraged to hear that prison leadership is interested in initiating rehabilitation programmes and is considering alternatives to incarceration to reduce overcrowding, and encourages officials to consult with customary authorities to design and implement such programmes. Children and youth 89. The situation of Kanak children and youth is a particular subject of concern. The French and New Caledonia Governments should focus increased attention on the issues faced by Kanak children and youth, in consultation with Kanak leaders and the Customary Senate. Affirmative action programmes could help to rapidly scale up Kanak eligibility for and participation in professional training programs. Government officials should work with the Customary Senate to create programs that will encourage Kanak students to pursue professional and vocational careers, in order to increase employment opportunities. 21