The 57th Session of the Human Rights Council
09 September – 11 October 2024
Item 9: Interactive Dialogue on Report of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent
3 October 2024
By Kiwumulo George / GICJ
Executive Summary
The Chair of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, Ms June Soomer, presented the Forum's Annual Report (A/HRC/57/68) during the Interactive Dialogue of the 38th session of the 57th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council on 3 October 2024. The report offers a comprehensive overview of the activities and discussions held during the first and second sessions of the Forum, which took place in December 2022 in Geneva and May-June 2023 in New York. These sessions focused on addressing the global challenges people of African descent face.
The report summarised the Forum's deliberations during its third session, along with its conclusions and recommendations, and outlines the activities undertaken since the previous session. During the reporting period, the Permanent Forum participated in various events and issued statements calling for action against systemic racism, racial discrimination, and xenophobia. The first and second annual sessions included thematic discussions and side events with global participants.
The Annual Report highlighted ongoing challenges faced by people of African descent, particularly regarding systemic racism and discrimination, which violate human rights obligations. It emphasised the urgent need for restorative justice, improved data collection, a targeted UN declaration, and increased visibility in policymaking. The report underscored the critical role of civil society in addressing these issues globally and reminded the international community that the fight against racial discrimination is far from over. A commitment to upholding human rights for all, regardless of descent or background, remains essential.
During the Interactive Dialogue, representatives from various countries and non-governmental organisations emphasised the need to address systemic racism and discrimination against people of African descent. They highlighted the importance of recognising historical legacies, such as slavery and colonialism, and advocated for reparatory justice.
Many representatives stressed the urgency of comprehensive efforts to combat racial discrimination and noted the importance of policies based on disaggregated data. They called for an intersectional approach to promote equality and emphasised the significance of integrating diverse cultural perspectives. Additionally, the representatives urged the establishment of new economic and financial systems that ensure equality and protect the rights of diverse populations while reiterating their support for the mandate of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) expresses deep concern regarding the intergenerational and transgenerational trauma and health disparities resulting from the legacies of colonialism, slavery, apartheid, and genocide. Given these ongoing challenges, GICJ urges the Human Rights Council to declare a second International Decade for People of African Descent. This crucial step acknowledges the significant progress made during the first decade and highlights the urgent need to address and eradicate the persistent injustices that continue to affect communities of African descent globally. The declaration of a second decade would provide a renewed platform for comprehensive efforts to combat systemic racism and discrimination, promote restorative justice, and improve health outcomes for affected populations.
Background
In November 2014, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution A/RES/69/16, entitled "Programme of Activities for the Implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent." This resolution marked the inception of a forum aimed to enhance the inclusion and participation of individuals and organisations representing people of African descent, along with other relevant stakeholders.
The Permanent Forum on People of African Descent was established as a consultative mechanism and advisory body to address the challenges faced by individuals of African descent, promote their human rights, and create a more inclusive and equitable world for this demographic group. Over the years, the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council elaborated on the modalities and format of the Permanent Forum. In December 2018, the UN General Assembly formally established the Forum through Resolution A/RES/73/262, outlining its dual roles as a consultation mechanism and an advisory body to the Human Rights Council. This resolution aimed to improve the safety and quality of life for people of African descent and address various forms of discrimination faced by this group.
On 2 August 2021, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 75/314, which operationalised the Permanent Forum as a consultative mechanism for people of African descent and other relevant stakeholders. This platform seeks to enhance the safety and quality of life of people of African descent while serving as an advisory body to the Human Rights Council, in line with the program of activities for the International Decade for People of African Descent.
The first session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent was held from 5 to 8 December 2022 in Geneva. The mandate of the Permanent Forum is to contribute to the full political, economic, and social inclusion of people of African descent as equal citizens without discrimination and to ensure their equal enjoyment of all human rights.
The Forum provides expert advice to various UN entities, including the Human Rights Council and General Assembly committees, focusing on issues of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance faced by people of African descent. It identifies best practices, addresses challenges highlighted in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, and offers recommendations on human rights protection. Additionally, the Forum supports socioeconomic development and advocates for collecting disaggregated data to inform better public policies regarding people of African descent globally. Dr. June Soomer, a former ambassador of Saint Lucia to the United Nations, is the current chairperson of the Forum.
Report on the Human Rights of People of African Descent
The Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism has emphasised critical concerns regarding the pervasive structural racism affecting the social, economic, and political spheres of people of African descent. The report identifies systemic educational biases, barriers to economic opportunities, and health disparities as notable issues. Despite some progress, racial discrimination remains deeply entrenched, influencing global policies and practices.
Systemic Racism and Discrimination
The report underscores the persistent challenges faced by people of African descent, including systemic racism and discrimination. Despite international efforts, human rights violations continue to be prevalent, with structural racism and racial discrimination at the forefront. The Chairperson highlighted the emergence of new waves of racism, mainly through social media, as well as the spread of racist hate speech by politicians and concerns regarding racially biased artificial intelligence in the justice system. She warned that without a decisive and proactive anti-racist approach, the forum risks losing ground in the battle against systemic racism.
Law Enforcement and Human Rights Violations
The report also details alarming patterns of excessive force used by law enforcement against individuals of African descent, leading to unnecessary fatalities. This troubling trend underscores the enduring presence of structural and systemic racial discrimination, illustrating the severity of human rights violations faced by this community. The Chairperson advocated developing clear indicators and a universal racial justice index to measure progress in combating racism.
United Nations Declaration on Human Rights
The report emphasises the urgent need to draft a United Nations declaration on the human rights of people of African descent to ensure dignity, inclusion, equity, and reparatory justice. Dr. June Soomer, the Chairperson, called on Member States to prioritise this declaration and engage in regional consultations with civil society to enhance its development.
Invisibility in Policy-making and Sustainable Development
The report highlights the continued invisibility of people of African descent in policy-making processes, which perpetuates socioeconomic inequalities, particularly for women. It calls for the meaningful participation of individuals of African descent in decision-making processes related to global and national climate governance, emphasising the need to address climate justice alongside racial and structural discrimination.
Integration of Climate Justice into Sustainable Development
The report stresses the importance of integrating climate justice into sustainable development discussions, recommending the inclusion of racial discrimination and reparatory justice in high-level political forums. It calls for the active participation of people of African descent in climate governance and urges the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a Framework Convention on Climate Change to incorporate non-governmental organisations focused on the rights of this demographic.
Data Compilation for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The report urges Member States to compile aggregate data on people of African descent to measure progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and racial justice indicators. It highlights the necessity for data-driven policies and recognition of systemic racism in broader social, international, and historical contexts. It also calls for developing official UN guidelines on data compilation focused on addressing systemic and structural racism.
Inequities in Artificial Intelligence and Responsible Technology
The report raises concerns regarding inequities in the digital transformation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advocates for the development of responsible and inclusive technology. While AI has the potential to enhance data compilation and analysis, there are significant worries about algorithmic bias replicating existing inequalities. The report calls for initiatives to create inclusive spaces that tackle societal stigma and racism in AI.
Proposed Reparatory Justice Measures
The report recommends the establishment of a United Nations Reparatory Justice Commission, a global summit, and a specialised international tribunal. It urges Member States to promote research, education, and awareness of colonialism and enslavement histories while supporting economic development for people of African descent. Additionally, it proposes creating an international fund to return cultural property and artefacts taken from Africa.
Restorative Justice for Systemic Injustices
The report emphasises the necessity for restorative justice to address systemic and structural injustices stemming from past crimes against humanity. It highlights the ongoing impacts of these crimes, including health disparities and violations of human rights. The report calls for support from UN agencies, such as the International Law Commission, to conduct comprehensive studies on reparations for people of African descent.
Call for a Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025-2034)
Dr. June Soomer advocates for the declaration of a Second International Decade for People of African Descent, aiming to enhance recognition, achieve equality, and implement effective measures against systemic discrimination. This initiative reflects the forum's commitment to addressing the ongoing challenges faced by people of African descent. It underscores the necessity for sustained efforts to combat racial discrimination, climate justice, and ethical AI practices, as highlighted in the UN Secretary-General's latest report.
Immediate Areas of Attention
The report identifies several critical areas requiring urgent attention concerning the challenges faced by people of African descent. Firstly, it emphasises the need for reparations and economic justice. The Chairperson highlighted the importance of addressing the economic inequalities rooted in colonialism and slavery that have resulted in persistent wealth gaps.
Additionally, the report advocates for educational inequality reforms. The Chairperson stated that educational curricula should include the histories and contributions of people of African descent. She underscored the necessity of dismantling systemic bias to ensure equal access to education, particularly for those in socially and economically disadvantaged communities.
Moreover, the report stresses the significance of cultural recognition and respect for heritage. It notes the urgent need to safeguard the cultural identities and practices of people of African descent, calling for policies that promote and celebrate their traditions and knowledge systems.
In addressing the preservation of ancestral lands and practices, the Chairperson urged Member States to take decisive actions to protect the spiritual and traditional practices of people of African descent, including safeguarding their ancestral lands and monuments.
Lastly, the report calls for comprehensive measures to tackle social and economic inequalities. The Chairperson emphasised that to achieve the 2030 Agenda, Member States must implement extensive strategies that promote ownership, ensure access to clean water, provide financial assistance, improve affordable housing, and create employment opportunities for people of African descent. These urgent areas underscore the need for targeted efforts to enhance the rights and well-being of this demographic and promote their full inclusion in society.
THE SITUATION OF HAITI
The Chairperson expressed deep concerns regarding the situation in Haiti, emphasising the country’s historical legacy of colonialism and enslavement. She noted that the Forum is set to launch a paper exploring the connections between Haiti’s tumultuous history and the ongoing humanitarian, political, and human rights crises that persist today.
The Chairperson urged the Human Rights Council to continue prioritising Haiti on its agenda, advocating for discussions that examine the linkages between historical injustices and the present human rights challenges facing the nation. She stressed that understanding this historical context is essential for developing effective strategies to address the current issues.
In concluding her report, the Chairperson emphasised that the struggle for equality must be an ongoing commitment. She asserted that this fight requires continuous effort and dedication, highlighting the necessity for sustained engagement from the international community to support Haiti in overcoming its challenges and achieving lasting change.
Interactive Dialogue
The representative of the European Union (EU) reaffirmed its strong commitment to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance. She unequivocally condemned all manifestations of racism, whether perceived or actual, emphasising the urgent need for greater political will to address these issues.
She acknowledged the significance of the Permanent Forum as a vital consultative mechanism for people of African descent and other stakeholders. Furthermore, she highlighted the Forum's dual role as both a consultative body and an advisory entity to the Human Rights Council.
The representative stressed the necessity for States to receive the revised text well in advance to adequately prepare for negotiations. She emphasised the EU's belief in the importance of reconciliation, acknowledging the need to confront the past and listen to the voices of those who have been affected by these injustices. She inquired about how the Permanent Forum plans to ensure that these critical dialogues take place.
Additionally, she underscored the importance of an inclusive negotiation process and pledged the EU's active engagement in these discussions to foster meaningful outcomes.
The representative from Gambia, speaking on behalf of the African Group, emphasised the significance of the Forum in addressing the structural inequalities faced by people of African descent. She highlighted the Forum's crucial role in educating, sharing experiences, and generating solutions to combat systemic racism, which obstructs the full enjoyment of human rights for individuals of African descent.
She commended the Permanent Forum and strongly supported its efforts in drafting a UN Declaration for People of African Descent, stating that this declaration is vital for advancing justice and economic development. She called upon all Member States to condemn racism, xenophobia, and religious intolerance unequivocally.
Additionally, the delegate stressed the importance of increasing the collection and analysis of disaggregated data to inform policies that address the challenges faced by people of African descent. She urged Member States to engage constructively with the Forum's recommendations. She reiterated the need for a second International Decade for People of African Descent to build upon and progress in addressing ongoing challenges.
The representative of CARICOM expressed strong support for creating a UN Declaration to promote and protect the human rights of individuals of African descent, emphasising the importance of advancing its drafting. She highlighted ongoing efforts for global reparatory justice in the Caribbean, led by the CARICOM Reparations Commission, which has developed a 10-point plan to address the harmful effects of colonialism. This plan includes critical issues related to institutional readiness for development and the burden of substantial public debt.
The delegate noted that while significant progress has been made over the past decade in amplifying the perspectives and experiences of people of African descent, much work remains to be done. She also welcomed the initiative for a second International Decade for People of African Descent, emphasising its focus on various dimensions, including climate justice. The Delegate assured CARICOM is committed to engaging with its leaders in pursuing reparatory justice and the need for a new international financial architecture.
She pointed out that the CARICOM 10-point plan for reparatory justice and the strengthened partnership with the African Union provide a solid foundation for collaboration and leadership.
Finally, she urged Member States to ensure that the Permanent Forum is adequately financed and extended an invitation for members to visit the Caribbean, particularly Barbados, in December.
The representative from Jamaica emphasised the urgent need to address the structural causes of racism and racial discrimination, which have excluded millions of people of African descent from development and made them more vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. She informed the assembly that the Jamaican government is actively developing a national policy and roadmap for reparatory justice and a booklet titled 100 Facts About Reparations to raise public awareness on the issue. The delegate underscored that the legacy of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and slavery remains evident in today’s economic, political, social, cultural, and environmental realities.
She highlighted the critical need for public policy tools based on comprehensive data to rectify systemic disparities in human development and combat inequality. Furthermore, she advocated for a second International Decade for People of African Descent, aiming for more significant equity and addressing intersecting forms of discrimination and exclusion, particularly affecting women and girls. She stressed the importance of involving people of African descent in decision-making processes related to sustainable development and climate change, which aligns with the Forum's recommendations.
Additionally, she recommended leveraging the connections between the objectives of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Pact for the Future. She urged the international community to intensify efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), combat inequalities within and among countries, and foster just societies where no one is left behind. To this end, she called for adequate funding to ensure the effective execution of these mandates.
The representative of the United States of America commended the Forum's efforts in addressing structural inequalities and issues related to transnational migration. He emphasised the importance of treating migrants with humanity and dignity, regardless of their status or country of origin.
The representative acknowledged the severe negative impacts of racism and racial discrimination on the health and well-being of individuals of African descent. He highlighted that racial equity, health equity, dignity, and respect are central to the United States' commitment to improving health outcomes and addressing intergenerational trauma for all Americans.
He stressed that the USA is dedicated to enhancing healthcare access and education for healthcare providers to tackle disparities affecting Black communities, particularly the alarming rates of maternal mortality and morbidity that disproportionately impact Black mothers and families.
Additionally, the representative asked Chairperson Dr June Soomer about the steps necessary to ensure that the contributions of communities of African descent are recognised and preserved.
The representative of Ghana emphasised the critical role of disaggregated data as an essential tool in tackling systemic racism and expressed strong support for establishing structures that effectively incorporate such data into policymaking. She highlighted her delegation's active participation in the third session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in April 2024, underscoring Ghana’s steadfast commitment to contributing to global efforts to address the challenges faced by people of African descent.
The representative further endorsed the Forum’s recommendation for the UN General Assembly to declare a second International Decade for People of African Descent, emphasising that this new decade would mark another significant milestone in realising the objectives set out in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.
In addition, she voiced her support for drafting a new declaration dedicated to the Promotion, Protection, and Full Respect of the Human Rights of People of African Descent. This declaration, she stated, would be instrumental in advancing the rights and well-being of people of African descent worldwide.
Concluding Remarks
In her concluding remarks, Dr. June expressed heartfelt gratitude to the participating States for supporting various initiatives concerning people of African descent. She highlighted the importance of several key initiatives, including the call for a second International Decade for People of African Descent, the Human Rights Declaration, the Development Fund for People of African Descent, and the establishment of an International Commission on Reparations.
Dr June also thanked the Member States for advocating for increased funding for the Permanent Forum, noting that many consultations have been built on partnerships and extra-budgetary financing. She emphasised that these consultations, aimed at developing declarations in each region, are essential to ensuring that the voices of civil society are amplified within the United Nations. She supported the African Union to convene a global meeting with former colonial entities and CARICOM to foster meaningful dialogue.
Furthermore, she underscored the critical role of women in the declaration and called for a gender-sensitive approach in its drafting to address gender differences. She reiterated the Forum's importance as a platform for dialogue between States and civil society, emphasising the need for continued cooperation in upholding the rights of people of African descent. Dr June expressed her aspiration for the Forum to function effectively as an advisory, oversight, and collaborative body.
Position of Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ)
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) remains deeply concerned about persistent systemic and structural racism, racial discrimination, marginalisation, and exclusion, which continue to undermine Member States' human rights obligations. These deeply rooted issues pose a significant challenge to the principles of equality and justice and demand immediate, focused attention.
GICJ urges all Member States to take concrete, coordinated, and meaningful action to dismantle systemic and structural racism. Achieving true equality requires comprehensive strategies to proactively address and eliminate these injustices, fostering a world where fairness, dignity, and the fulfilment of human rights are available to all individuals.
Furthermore, GICJ endorses the recommendations from the Permanent Forum report on people of African descent to ensure fair and equitable access to artificial intelligence (AI) for individuals of African descent. The transfer of technology must be pursued to counteract ongoing inequalities and address algorithmic biases that perpetuate discrimination.
GICJ calls on the United Nations, Member States, and AI development companies to prioritise this pressing issue. Equitable access to AI is not only about inclusion in technology but is fundamental to reducing disparities and mitigating biases in AI usage and application. Ensuring that individuals of African descent have equal opportunities to benefit from AI is essential to fostering fairness and inclusivity in our digital age. By actively promoting technology transfer and preventing algorithmic bias, we can work together to create a more equitable and just technological landscape for all.
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