51st Session of the UN Human Rights Council

Item 9: Interactive dialogue with the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent

Statement by International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (EAFORD) and Geneva International Centre for Justice 

Statement delivery by Emily Bare

Thank you, vice-President:

We welcome the report by the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent, especially as it relates to children. This issue is of great importance as it relates to future generations and humanity. 

We agree with the report in that it is necessary to identify existing racialized challenges that come in various forms - including legal hurdles and other types of violations. In this regard, we note that the history of justifying and enabling colonial domination, together with neo-colonial dynamics, especially in law - must be addressed in various fields such as education, health, and development.

It is of utmost importance to also address invisible challenges and barriers such as mental slavery and child sexual slavery among others, as these are also negative results of the legacies of slavery and colonialism.

To this end, EAFORD and Geneva International Centre for Justice strongly believe that effective inclusion of victims and affected communities is paramount in discussions regarding accountability and redress. We encourage the inclusion of experts in civil, political, social, and cultural fields as noted in the DDPA - as well as the need for special measures to be incorporated to combat racial discrimination and inequality faced by children.

In conclusion, we would like to ask the Working Group, what measures and steps can civil society, together with member states and other stakeholders do to strengthen political will, moral courage, and State responsibility?

Thank you.