By Success Chinenye
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for “greater” action to combat racism and prejudice against people of colour.
The call, which was delivered while speaking to the Permanent Forum of African Descent, recognised the ongoing racial injustices and prejudice that Black people experience.
He stated that the creation of the Permanent Forum demonstrates the commitment of the international community to addressing injustices of this kind, but it also needs to be supported by a major shift in the status of people of African descent around the world.
“Now, we must build on that momentum to drive meaningful change – by ensuring that people of African descent enjoy the full and equal realisation of their human rights.
Also, 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,” Guterres said.
By holding its third high-profile conference less than two years after it started operations, the forum demonstrated its “formidable convening power,” as Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Nada Al-Nashif lauded.
She said that the forum’s 70 scheduled side events, which would address issues such as health, education, and climate justice for African Americans, demonstrate a “remarkable effort, amplifying the reach and impact of our collective commitment.”
Al-Nashif called for Member States to take part in the talks and implement the suggestions that came out of them.
Then, she continued, “we can make sure that people of African descent can fully realise all of their civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights without facing any bias or discrimination.”
Al-Nashif stated that Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, is in favour of extending the International Decade for People of African Descent, which was established by the General Assembly in 2015 with the goal of emphasising development, justice, and recognition.
According to her, there will be a conversation centred around achievement limitations and expectations of the requested second international decade, during the permanent Forum.
“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,” Al-Nashif said.