International Day of People of African Descent

On 4th September, 2024, the UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean and the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent co-organized an online public dialogue to commemorate the International Day for People of African Descent. Over 70 participants representing civil society, academia, community organizations, youth and the UN, from across region and the diaspora joined the discussion and interacted with a high-level group of discussants.

Simon Springett, UN Resident Coordinator welcomed the Dialogue as an opportunity to dive into the work and priorities of the Permanent Forum. Reflecting on the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ comments, he noted that much more needs to be done to ensure recognition, justice and development of people of African descent, as the lingering effects of historical injustices continue to obstruct their path to freedom, equality and dignity.

June Soomer, Chairperson of the Permanent Forum, underscored how the Permanent Forum, despite being a new mechanism formally operationalized in 2022, has already become the largest platform for advancing the rights of people of African descent around the globe.  Ms Soomer emphasized the Permanent Forum’s engagement with youth, highlighting that the last session, held in Geneva from 16 to 19 April earlier this year, gathered over 1000 participants, of which approximately 50% were 30 and under, who collectively organized and presented a youth declaration at the closing of the session.

Central topics of the discussion included critical concerns about racism, racial discrimination, colonialism, sexism, and the pressing need for reparations. The plight of some groups such as Garifuna and Rastafarians were also highlighted. Comments were also made about progress made in relation to the implementation of the CARICOM 10-point reparations plan, as well as the need for more direct civil society engagement.

“We cannot view all black people, all people of African descent, as the same. We must acknowledge the differences within our communities and spaces, celebrate those differences, and ensure that no group is left behind.”  

— Gaynel Curry, Member of the Permanent Forum of People of African Descent

Gaynel Curry, member of the Permanent Forum and Professor at the University of Bahamas, emphasized on the gender dimensions of systemic racism faced by people of African descent. “For us, systemic racism is a key issue, including the sexual and reproductive health rights of Black women. For example, more and more of our women are dying in childbirth and this needs to be recognized and addressed”, she added.  

Don Marshall, University Director SALISES, outlined briefly the University of West Indies’ engagement with universities in South Africa and Ghana through the Global Africa project. This initiative examines the effects of colonialism and involves several studies for a major project in reparatory justice, aiming to identify tangible projects that can bring about renewal and repair, with input from civil society and governments.

Chevy Eugene, Assistant Professor in Political Science at Dalhousie University, brought attention to how feminist frameworks have been central to reparatory justice movements and underscored the importance of youth activists, researchers and the diaspora.

Reflecting on the International Decade for People of African Descent (2014-2024), the event also looked forward to the work ahead, including advocacy for a second International Decade. The Permanent Forum is actively working to amplify voices of people of African descent in global discussions, particularly on environmental issues and to call attention to the legacy of colonialism in Haiti, reaffirming its commitment to reparations, justice and renewal.

“We are trying to make sure it's an actionable declaration and that is why we are engaging with you and asking you to engage and contribute to the declaration.” – said June Soomer when speaking about the UN Declaration on the Human Rights of People of African Descent, currently being drafted.

In closing, Simon Springett reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting partnerships and coalitions to drive meaningful action for People of African Descent in the Caribbean. He referred to the Summit of the Future in New York, as a space to revitalize global governance for the challenges ahead, and as a pivotal opportunity to ensure that the perspectives and insights of people of African descent are not only fully included but also translated into meaningful action.

This story was first published by United Nations Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.