Celebrating the contributions of the African diaspora
This year marks the International Day of People of African Descent, as well as the final year of the International Decade for People of African Descent, launched by the United Nations General Assembly to recognize people of African descent in the Americas. descendants as a distinct group whose human rights must be protected. Through this observance, the United Nations aims to promote the extraordinary contributions of the African diaspora around the world and eliminate all forms of discrimination against people of African descent.
International days reflect the values shared by a society. All human beings are born free, equal in dignity and rights, and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well-being of society. Any doctrine of racial superiority is scientifically false, morally reprehensible, socially unjust and dangerous, and must be rejected along with any theory that attempts to determine the existence of separate human races .
The United Nations strongly condemns the continued violence and excessive use of force by law enforcement against Africans and people of African descent, and condemns systemic racism in criminal justice systems around the world. The organization further acknowledges that the transatlantic slave trade is one of the darkest chapters in human history, and recognizes the victims of slavery, the slave trade, and colonialism, especially those of African descent in the African diaspora. uphold the dignity and equality of
International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024)
In line with the Sustainable Development Goals spearheaded by the International Decade, the International Decade celebrates the important contributions of people of African descent around the world, promotes social justice and inclusive policies, and combats racism and intolerance. We aim to eradicate human rights, promote human rights, and help build better, more prosperous communities. by the United Nations.
progress and challenges
2024 marks the end of the International Decade for People of African Descent. Although some progress has been made at the legislative, policy and institutional level, people of African descent continue to suffer from multiple and complex forms of racism, marginalization and exclusion. In 2020, five years into the last decade, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgency of addressing long-standing structural inequalities and systemic racism in health. Lack of recognition remains one of the major barriers to the full and effective enjoyment of human rights by people of African descent.
2020 was also a turning point in addressing these issues at the international and national levels. The killing of George Floyd galvanized people to protest racism and racism, prompting important global conversations about racial justice. On June 19, 2020, the Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on “Promoting and protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Africans and people of African descent against excessive use of force and other human rights violations by law enforcement officers”. Pursuant to this resolution, the High Commissioner for Human Rights submitted to the 47th session of the Human Rights Council an agenda for change for racial justice and equality.
Societies around the world are increasingly recognizing the role that structural racism plays in promoting social, economic, and political inequality. Several countries have introduced policies that make racial profiling and discrimination illegal and promote the rights and choices of people of African descent.
Governments are accelerating efforts to make people of African descent more statistically visible in order to address historical injustices and close gaps in access to health care, social services, and opportunity.
Further action, political will and investment are needed to eliminate inequalities and ensure the full empowerment of people of African descent.
The Underground Railroad: The Secret Path to Freedom Beyond Niagara Falls | Global Lens
In this episode of Global Lens, we examine the Underground Railroad’s pivotal role in establishing African American resistance and risking their lives to help others escape, including the legendary Harriet Tubman. We praise the courage of those who helped.
Our protagonist is Saladin Allah, an educator, author, and human rights activist, a descendant of Underground Railroad pioneer Josiah Henson, whose life is based on Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel Uncle Tom. This was the inspiration for “The Hut.” Saladin, Visitor Experience Specialist for the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, takes us on an unforgettable journey through African American history and reminds us that we all have a role in shaping the next generation. He is an expert storyteller who reminds us that we exist. Only through education and historical truth-telling can we recognize the wrongdoings of the past and work towards a more just world.
