REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA COMBINED SECOND PERIODIC REPORT UNDER THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLE`S RIGHTS and INITIAL REPORT UNDER THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA with a common DNA on exhibits submitted to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). Further enhancement of the SAPS systems has been completed to capture records of DNA buccal samples and link it with the fingerprints of all persons arrested. The investigation diary of the SAPS electronic (CAS/ICDMS) system will now receive attention to facilitate the follow-up investigation of forensic investigative leads made through the comparison searches on the forensic DNA, fingerprint and IBIS Biosciences databases. Measures to ensure legal representation 92 155. In order to ensure that indigent people receive competent and adequate legal representation in court, Legal Aid South Africa, an autonomous statutory body, renders or makes available legal representation to indigent persons at state expense. Legal Aid South Africa has done sterling work in advancing access to justice for indigent persons in need of legal representation, though there are still challenges in the sense that demand outweighs supply and Legal Aid South Africa is unable to assist all the persons currently in need of their services. 156. In 2012/2013 Legal Aid assisted 438,844 clients assisted in legal matters with an additional 297,835 clients assisted with legal advice. This meant that they were able to assist 736,679 people. Some 297,835 advice matters were handled by Legal Aid SA’s paralegals as well as by its call centre, the Legal Aid Advice Line, which assisted with 15% of the advice matters. The Legal Aid Advice Line provides legal advice via a toll-free number in five official languages.92 157. Legal Aid South Africa has been recognized internationally as having developed a sustainable legal aid system which has been studied and learnt from by many countries intending to develop their legal aid systems. Many international country delegations are hosted annually by Legal Aid South Africa of countries wishing to study the Legal Aid South Africa model as an example of best practice. Legal Aid South Africa has also been asked to send its representatives as experts to many international conferences and workshops. It can also be noted that South Africa was a sponsor in promoting the adoption of the United Nations Principles and Guidelines on Access to Legal Aid in Criminal Justice Systems by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2012. 158. International information-sharing plays a vital role. Legal Aid South Africa frequently receives invitations to participate in regional and international events for the purpose of sharing its experiences on various aspects relating to the delivery of legal aid and increasing access to justice and to share their experiences and lessons, in particular around the implementation of the UN Principles and Guidelines. Legal Aid, Annual Report, 2012/2013 47