A/HRC/10/66 page 16 neighbourhoods also influence the health status of this population group. Larger numbers of people of African descent do not have medical insurance. The lack of sufficient resources also hampers medical check-ups and timely prevention. Ms. Biswas also pointed out that there is a lower life expectancy and a higher mortality rate in this population group. 98. Governments have to eradicate racial discrimination in health care and health research as well as eliminate environmental hazards in these communities. Efforts should be made to increase knowledge about the health of people of African descent and translate it into effective clinical practice. It was suggested that the Working Group collect information on the health of children of African descent. This would help meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with a view to reducing inequalities in health and thereby assist in improving the health of people of African descent, in particular children. 99. The Chairperson opened the floor for discussion. 100. An observer indicated that disparities need to be analyzed through a social determinant approach. Even when families have medical insurance, there is different care for children of African descent. Any disparities in healthcare should be determined as discrimination. It was commented that racism is the number one stressor for children of African descent in some developed countries, resulting in asthma, obesity and other stress related health problems. 101. It was highlighted that in the present economic crisis, governments should not reduce resources allocated to health and education due to their vital importance. Item 8: Country visits 102. At the end of the discussion on the situation of children of African descent, the experts discussed country visits to be conducted in the coming three years. Observers suggested that the experts select countries with different profiles regarding the situation of people of African descent. Among the proposals for country visits were Brazil, Colombia and the United States of America. It was recommended that during the country visits, the experts should explore not only problems regarding the situation of people of African descent but also positive experiences that can be used as examples by other countries. Item 9: Durban Review Conference 103. During the deliberations on item 9 of the agenda, a statement was read on behalf of several NGOs (African Canadian Legal Clinic, African Women’s Movement in Europe “Sophiedela”, Stichting National Monument the Netherlands, Tiye International, Pan-African Roots Organization, the University of Dayton, Afro Swedish National Association) noting with concern that some governments withdrew from the Durban Review Conference and called on all governments to participate. The issue of increased financial support for the participation of NGOs was also raised. Moreover, it was highlighted that during the Review Conference an assessment should be made of the extent to which governments have implemented the provisions of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. The Chairperson indicated that the Working Group will participate in the Review Conference with a particular focus on discussions that relate to the situation of people of African descent.