Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, has lauded the accomplishments and impact of individuals of African descent globally.
In a video message released on Tuesday, Guterres urged for more concrete actions to combat racism and discrimination against black individuals.
Addressing the Permanent Forum of African Descent, the UN leader recognized the pervasive racial discrimination and inequalities that black communities endure.
Guterres emphasized the significance of the Permanent Forum as a commitment from the global community to address these injustices, emphasizing the need for substantial changes to support individuals of African descent worldwide.
“We must now harness this momentum to drive meaningful progress – ensuring that individuals of African descent can fully and equally exercise their human rights.
Efforts to eradicate racism and discrimination, including reparations, and strides towards the complete integration of individuals of African descent into society as equal members must be intensified,” stated Guterres.
Ms. Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, applauded the forum for its significant impact in convening a third high-profile session within less than two years of its inception.
Al-Nashif commended the forum’s 70 planned side events focusing on topics like climate justice, education, health, and more for individuals of African descent, describing it as an “outstanding endeavor that enhances the scope and influence of our collective dedication.”
She urged Member States to actively engage in discussions and implement recommendations formulated during the sessions.
“This is crucial to ensure that all the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of individuals of African descent are fully realized without discrimination or prejudice,” she emphasized.
Al-Nashif also mentioned that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, supports the extension of the International Decade for People of African Descent – a decade designated by the General Assembly in 2015 focusing on acknowledgment, justice, and progress.
Within the Permanent Forum, discussions will center on the achievements, limitations, and outlook for the proposed second international decade.
“We eagerly anticipate the outcomes of the discussions during this session, and we will closely monitor the intergovernmental dialogues regarding the International Decade throughout this year,” Al-Nashif stated.
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