Archive photo: Demonstrations against systemic racism, London. International Day of People of African Descent: UN calls to combat systemic racism UN
Millions of people of African descent around the world continue to be victims of systemic and structural racism and racial discrimination, independent UN human rights experts recalled on the occasion of International Day for People of African Descent, which is celebrated on August 31.
The Principle of Humanity
They stressed that racial discrimination violates the principles enshrined in the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Durban Declaration and other international instruments. According to the experts, racism also undermines the philosophy of Ubuntu, that is, the principle of humanity.
“Although during the International Decade for People of African Descent 2015-2024, While some progress has been made in promoting racial equality, we are far from ensuring respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of people of African descent, including the elimination of all forms of discrimination against them,” the human rights defenders said.
“It is imperative to fully acknowledge the continuing global legacy of slavery, colonialism, apartheid and genocide,” they said, calling for continued efforts to achieve justice for people of African descent.
Second International Decade
The experts put forward the idea of holding a Second International Decade for People of African Descent from 2025 to 2034.
With the same call in their message on the occasion of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke today.
“Given the progress made over the past decade, I hope that States will proclaim a Second International Decade for People of African Descent and thereby help galvanize global efforts and achieve genuine change,” he said.
Need for a New International Declaration
UN human rights experts also believe it is necessary to draft and adopt a declaration on the protection of the rights of people of African descent.
“We call on States to contribute to the collective effort to advance the elaboration of a draft United Nations declaration on the promotion, protection and full respect for the human rights of people of African descent,” they said.
According to human rights activists, the declaration should not simply acknowledge systemic racism, but also include aspects such as reparative justice, restoring environmental justice and ensuring digital equality for people of African descent.
New forms of racism
As UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted in his message on the occasion of the Day, systemic racism “continues to take on new forms, including in new technologies that use algorithms that can reinforce discrimination.”
“Building on the achievements of people of African descent, we must take global action to eradicate the scourge of racism and racial discrimination,” he said.
Time act
“Now is the time for decisive action. In the coming months, States will have the opportunity at the Future Summit and COP16 to address issues that are critical to people of African descent. Let us seize these opportunities that can lead to meaningful change,” the UN human rights activists concluded.
Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a pro bono basis; they are not UN employees and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent of any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.
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