UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a message to Permanent Forum of African Descent on Tuesday called for more action to end racism and discrimination against the black.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres celebrated the achievements and contributions of people of African descent from across the world, while addressing the forum via video message, but also acknowledged existing racial discrimination and inequalities Black people continue to face.
He said the establishment of the Permanent Forum shows a
dedication from the international community to address these injustices. Still,
it needs to be backed by significant change for people of African descent
globally.
“Now we must build on that momentum to drive meaningful
change – by ensuring that people of African descent enjoy the full and equal
realization of their human rights; by stepping up efforts to eliminate racism
and discrimination – including through reparations; and by taking steps towards
the full inclusion of people of African descent in society as equal citizens,”
said Mr. Guterres.
Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif
praised the forum for its “formidable convening power” by meeting for a third
high profile session less than two years after becoming operational.
She commended the forum’s planned 70 side events focusing on
climate justice, education, health, and more for people of African descent,
saying it shows a “remarkable effort, amplifying the reach and impact of our
collective commitment.”
Ms. Al-Nashif urged Member States to participate in
discussions and act on recommendations derived from them.
“Only then can we ensure that all civil, political,
economic, social, and cultural rights of people of African descent can be fully
realized without discrimination or bias,” she said
Ms. Al-Nashif said the UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights, Volker Türk, supports the extension of the International Decade for
people of African Descent – a time proclaimed by the General Assembly in 2015
to focus on recognition, justice and development.
During the Permanent Forum, a conversation will be centred
around achievement limitations and expectations of the requested second
international decade.
“We look forward to the outcome of the discussions of this
session; and we will be following the intergovernmental discussions in relation
to the International Decade throughout this year,” said Ms. Al-Nashif.
All reports from the Permanent Forum will be presented to
the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council in September, as well as the
new session of the UN General Assembly, which begins that month.
The Deputy High Commissioner said her office is continuing
to look for ways to ensure “the meaningful, inclusive, and safe participation
of people of African descent in public life is essential in the fight against
systemic racism.”
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