‘Racial justice demands collective action’, says UN rights chief, ushering in new decade for African diaspora
GENEVA (17 December 2024) – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Friday urged for collective action to address the scourge of racial discrimination and racial injustice, calling it a “fundamental violation of human rights” that demands urgent attention. The UN Human Rights Office has launched a new decade for people of African descent that will focus on racial justice and equality.
“Racial justice is not just a slogan, it is a fundamental human right. And it is a right that has been denied to people of African descent for far too long,” said Türk at the launch of the International Decade for People of African Descent in Geneva.
He highlighted that people of African descent continue to face multiple forms of discrimination and systemic racism across the globe. “They are more likely to be victims of police brutality, racial profiling and mass incarceration. They are more likely to live in poverty, without access to adequate education, healthcare or housing,” said Türk.
The decade will focus on promoting the full enjoyment of human rights by people of African descent, and addressing the root causes of racial discrimination, racism and xenophobia. The UN Human Rights Office will work with governments, civil society organizations and individuals to implement the Programme of Activities for the Decade.
“We need to challenge the racist stereotypes and prejudices that continue to divide our societies, and we need to dismantle the systemic racism that perpetuates inequality and injustice,” said Türk. He also called for reparations for the victims of slavery and colonialism.
He added that the UN Human Rights Office will work with governments and civil society to implement the Programme of Activities for the Decade, which includes:
- Monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation of people of African descent
- Supporting national and regional initiatives to promote racial justice and equality
- Providing technical assistance to governments to develop and implement policies to combat racial discrimination
- Raising awareness about the human rights of people of African descent
- Advocating for the rights of people of African descent at the international level
“This decade is an opportunity to make real progress towards racial justice and equality,” said Türk. “Let us seize this opportunity and build a more just and equitable world for all.”
The International Decade for People of African Descent was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2013. The decade runs from 2015 to 2024. The theme of the decade is “Recognition, Justice and Development”.
Additional information
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, ratified by the vast majority of UN Member States, prohibit racial discrimination and guarantee equal rights for all, regardless of race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin.
The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in 2001, provides a comprehensive framework for combating racism and racial discrimination.
The UN Human Rights Office has a dedicated team working on issues related to racial discrimination and people of African descent.
Contact:
Rupert Colville spokesperson, UN Human Rights Office rupert.colville@un.org
For more information and media requests, please contact:
Jeremy Laurence UN Human Rights Office jeremy.laurence@un.org
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