UN Launches Second Decade for People of African Descent on January 1, 2025.

The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed the Second Decade for People of African Descent, scheduled to commence on January 1, 2025. This decade, themed “People of African descent: Recognition, Justice, and Development,” represents a renewed global commitment to addressing the systemic challenges and historical injustices faced by individuals of African descent worldwide. It builds upon the foundation laid during the First Decade (2015-2024), which focused on raising awareness about the contributions of people of African descent and initiating efforts to combat racism, discrimination, and inequality. The Second Decade aims to deepen this engagement by fostering international cooperation and mobilizing resources to achieve tangible progress in promoting human rights, social justice, and sustainable development for this population.

The core objectives of the Second Decade revolve around three interconnected pillars: recognition, justice, and development. “Recognition” encompasses acknowledging the historical legacy of slavery, colonialism, and systemic racism, and its enduring impact on the lives of people of African descent. This involves promoting a more accurate and inclusive historical narrative and actively combating harmful stereotypes and prejudices. “Justice” focuses on addressing ongoing discrimination and ensuring equal access to justice systems, education, healthcare, employment, and other fundamental rights. This includes advocating for reparatory justice for the historical injustices suffered by people of African descent, seeking redress for past harms, and establishing mechanisms to prevent future discrimination. “Development” emphasizes empowering communities of African descent by promoting economic opportunities, social inclusion, and cultural preservation. This involves investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and other essential services to ensure equal opportunities for advancement and prosperity.

The First Decade witnessed significant efforts by the UN and its member states to address the challenges faced by people of African descent. This included the establishment of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, a platform for advocacy and dialogue within the UN system. Numerous initiatives were undertaken to promote racial equality, combat discrimination, and empower communities of African descent. However, significant challenges remain, and the Second Decade is seen as a crucial opportunity to accelerate progress and achieve meaningful change.

The Caribbean region, in particular, has been at the forefront of the movement for reparatory justice. Barbados, under the leadership of Special Envoy Trevor Prescod, has been actively advocating for reparations for the historical injustices of slavery and colonialism. The University of the West Indies and the University of Glasgow have partnered to establish a joint master’s program focused on reparatory justice, further demonstrating the region’s commitment to addressing this complex issue. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has also played a leading role in the global reparations movement, establishing a reparations commission chaired by Sir Hilary Beckles and a Prime Ministerial sub-committee led by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley. These initiatives reflect a growing regional consensus on the importance of acknowledging and addressing the historical injustices faced by people of African descent.

Barbados’ Ambassador to the UN, François Jackman, emphasized the importance of mobilizing resources and translating the proclamation of the Second Decade into concrete action. He acknowledged the increased awareness of the challenges faced by people of African descent achieved during the First Decade, but cautioned that without adequate support and resources, the Second Decade risks falling short of its potential. His call for increased international cooperation and resource mobilization underscores the understanding that achieving the goals of the Second Decade requires a collective effort from the global community.

The success of the Second Decade for People of African Descent hinges on the commitment of the international community to translate words into action. This requires not only financial resources but also a genuine commitment to addressing the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality and discrimination. By working collaboratively, the international community can empower communities of African descent, promote their full participation in society, and ensure the realization of their fundamental human rights and freedoms. The Second Decade represents a crucial opportunity to build a more just and equitable world for all.