‘Racial justice demands collective action’
The head of the UN human rights office has called for collective action to address racial justice saying that “no one can afford to be complacent”.
In a speech in Geneva launching the International Decade for People of African Descent, Michelle Bachelet said that racism was a “cancer” in our societies and called for a “paradigm shift” in the way we think about race and equality.
“The very concept of race is a social construct, a man-made invention,” she said. “It is used to justify discrimination, oppression, and violence. It has no basis in science or biology.
The decade will focus on recognizing, addressing, and overcoming these injustices and will include a range of initiatives aimed at promoting the full enjoyment of human rights for people of African descent. These include:
- Increasing awareness of the history and legacy of slavery and colonialism
- Promoting the development of national action plans to combat racism and discrimination
- Supporting the establishment of truth and reconciliation commissions to address past human rights violations
- Providing reparations for victims of slavery and colonialism
These are just some of the ways that we can work together to build a more just and equitable world for all.
UN chief urges global solidarity to combat racism
“Let us use this decade to build a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race or origin. Let us build a world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their circumstances.
“We cannot afford to be complacent. We must all work together to make this decade a success.”
Time for a global movement
Bachelet said that the decade would provide an opportunity for a “global movement” to address racial justice saying that “we need to build a movement that is inclusive and intersectional. We need to bring together people from all walks of life, from all races and backgrounds.
“We need to create a movement that is powerful enough to challenge the status quo. A movement that is strong enough to hold governments and corporations accountable. A movement that is resilient enough to withstand setbacks and disappointments.
“We need to build a movement that is rooted in love and compassion. A movement that is guided by the principles of justice and equality.”
Reparations for slavery and colonialism
Bachelet called for reparations for victims of slavery and colonialism saying that this was an “essential step” in addressing racial injustice.
“Reparations are not just about money,” she said. “They are about acknowledging the harm that has been done. They are about restoring dignity and justice. They are about building a better future for all.”
The way forward
Bachelet said that the way forward was through collective action saying that “we cannot do this alone. We need to work together. We need to build a global movement for racial justice.
“This decade is our opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people of African descent. Let us seize this opportunity and build a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect”, she said.
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