UN Experts Call for Legal Action Against Racism, Racial Discrimination
(Special Correspondent)
GENEVA (29 August 2024) – Ahead of the International Day for People of African Descent, a group of UN experts issue the following joint statement:
Today, we reaffirm the ongoing global challenge faced by millions of people of African descent who continue to suffer from systemic and structural racism and racial discrimination. Reveals the Press release.
The United Nations Human Rights Special Procedures states in the release that these violations contravene the principles established in key international frameworks such as the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, and other relevant instruments. Such human rights abuses undermine the fundamental principles of Ubuntu, or shared humanity, that we collectively aspire to uphold.
The Media Statement further said that as we approach the Summit for the Future in September, we are also reminded of the multifaceted ecological crises and the slow pace of global sustainable development, issues that disproportionately affect Africans and people of African descent.
Despite some advancements during the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024), significant challenges remain. Achieving full respect for human rights and the elimination of discrimination against people of African descent remains an ongoing struggle. Recognizing the enduring impacts of chattel slavery, colonialism, apartheid, and genocide, it is imperative to pursue robust recognition, justice, and development efforts beyond 2024. To this end, we advocate for the establishment of a Second International Decade (2025-2034).
We urge States to actively contribute to the development of the United Nations draft declaration on the promotion, protection, and full respect of the human rights of people of African descent. This declaration should comprehensively address systemic and structural racism, reparatory justice, environmental justice, and digital equity.
The forthcoming International Decade must enhance the focus on the three pillars of the current Decade: recognition, justice, and development. This includes a more profound acknowledgment of systemic and structural racism, pursuit of reparatory justice, and the integration of people of African descent into all development frameworks, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Additionally, the next Decade must address emerging issues related to environmental justice and artificial intelligence, ensuring that the voices of those affected by intersecting forms of discrimination—such as women, youth, LGBTQI+ individuals, persons with disabilities, displaced persons, migrants, and refugees—are heard and respected. Member States should implement comprehensive human rights instruments, strategies, indicators, and monitoring mechanisms to tackle systemic racism and fully protect the rights of people of African descent. This approach should be embedded in national, regional, and international efforts, including the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the development of a post-2030 Agenda.
The time for decisive action is now. In the coming months, through the Summit for the Future and COP16 meetings, States will have crucial opportunities to address these pressing issues. We must seize these moments to drive meaningful change for people of African descent and advance the cause of humanity as a whole.
