A/HRC/26/56 Council, as well as to other human rights mechanisms, in particular the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The experts noted that they are well placed to provide valuable advice to other stakeholders, including United Nations entities and mechanisms, on various issues related to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. 6. It was noted that there is no sufficient clarity with regard to the role and functions of the experts, both individually and as a group, with regard to activities, inputs and advice to other mechanisms and stakeholders, considering that the mandate was included in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. It was pointed out that more support and resources are needed to assist the experts to conduct their work in a more efficient manner. Given the opportunity, the group could have contributed to the various reports on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance submitted to the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council. The group could also have contributed to ongoing discussions on the decade for people of African descent. 7. The experts pointed out that their work was affected by insufficient financial resources and administrative support. They emphasized that a team of professionals from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) should be assigned to work with the experts on various assignments, throughout the whole year. Such staff will assist the experts to review and verify sources of information, collect updated data, provide in-depth analysis, determine trends and emerging issues. 8. The experts emphasized the persistent lack of States’ political will to implement the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, which has affected negatively the follow-up process, including the work of the established mechanisms. In this regard, it was suggested to develop a communication strategy that would feature the importance and relevance of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. It was highlighted that the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action is a complex and lengthy document, taking into consideration various dimensions and groups of victims, which effective implementation requires a thorough, methodical and systematic approach. The experts said that a proper and efficient monitoring system for assessing the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action has not been put in place. Such monitoring will require a lot of substantive and technical work that should include the tailoring of goals for the different regions, based on available data and knowledge on racial and ethnic disparities. They also emphasized that States should commit to implementing the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and support effectively the work of the follow-up mechanisms. 9. The experts stated that the concepts of the International Decade for People of African Descent should be “unfolded” in a clear, easy and de-codified plan that can be understood by all stakeholders, including governments, human rights mechanisms, civil society organizations, academia etc. In this context, the Millennium Development Goals were given as a good example, in terms of clarity and States’ obligations. 10. With regard to the membership of the group, the experts pointed out that there has not been an expert from the Western European and Others Group (WEOG) since the resignation, in 2006, of the former member of the group Mr. Martti Oiva Kalevi Ahtisaari, former President of Finland. They emphasized that he should be replaced urgently. To this end, the experts invited the United Nations Secretary-General to nominate the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to arrange for the replacement of the resigned WEOG’s representative, as a matter of priority. Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim regretted the inability of the experts to meet since 2005, urged a renewal of membership and emphasized the need for more targeted and time-linked meeting schedule. He also alluded to his withdrawal from the group to allow for the appointment of someone able to devote the time required for the work. 4