The UN chief calls justice and “real change” for people of African origin

In a message Released before the day, Mr. Guterres honored the “extraordinary” contributions of people of African origin through each sphere of human efforts. The secretary general also recognized the “long shadows” of slavery and colonialism, which include systemic racism, unequal economies and societies, and the digital divide (between those who are able to benefit from digital technology and those who do not have access).

Mr. Guterres praised the Mondial digital compact – adopted in 2024 as part of Pact for the futureWho promotes a multilateral system that reflects today’s realities and delivers everyone everywhere – passing by a step forward, citing commitments to fight against discrimination and hate speeches in digital technologies. “White supremacy and dehumanizing stories,” wrote the UN chief, “are amplified by social media and, too often, racial bias is coded in algorithms”.

“Eighty years after the Charter of the United Nations reaffirmed equal rights and dignity inherent in each human being, and sixty years since the adoption of the International Convention on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination“, He concluded:” It has long been to correct historical wrongs. »»

A decade of action

This year’s international day is the first to take place during the second international decade for people of African descent, which takes place from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2034. The decade, which embraces the theme “People of African origin: recognition, justice and development”, ” aims to underline the importance of recognizing the rights and contributions of people of African origin. Mr. Guterres called for the next ten years to lead a “real change”, in particular by working on a United Nations Declaration on Full respect for people of human rights of the African origin.

The first decade saw more than 30 countries modify their laws and policies to combat racial discrimination and solve the specific problems facing people of African origin – in some cases for the first time. THE Permanent forum on people of African originwas created, and new international days have been launched to celebrate the contributions of the diaspora, including those of women and girls.

Based on the progress made between 2015 and 2024, the second decade aims to amplify global efforts to justice and development for individuals of African origin and to create a more equitable future, in which the aspirations and rights of people of African origin are fully recognized, honored and celebrated.