These include the adoption of anti-discrimination laws, the creation of independent human rights and equality institutions and measures aimed at achieving reparations.
However, the outlook for people of African descent around the world remains uneven and fragilehe said, and in some cases progress is even lagging.
‘Everyday realities’ of poverty, racism and AI bias
The UN human rights chief pointed to daily discrimination in a wide range of situations, from the workplace to hospitals, classrooms and encounters with law enforcement.
He noted that poverty rates in all regions are consistently higher among people of African descent.especially for women, young people and those already affected by other forms of discrimination.
“Racism and dehumanizing rhetoric still permeate our public institutions, communities and online platforms,” he declared, adding that “digital technologies, including AI, are reproduce and amplify existing biases against people of African descent.”
These everyday realities are, Türk said, “the direct legacy of colonialism and slavery.”
Steps toward racial justice and equality
He outlined three key requests for Member States going forward:
- Anti-racist laws, policies and practices must be adopted that can lay the foundation for safer, more just and inclusive societies. adopted and applied
- Young people of African descent and members of civil society must be included at all levels of decision making
- Push toward restorative justice must be maintained
On the latter, Mr. Türk welcomed the March 25 General Assembly resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade the most serious crime against humanity and the decision of certain governments and institutions to apologize and return artifacts.
At the same time, he warned, “efforts to promote restorative justice face resistance in some quarters. Therefore, we must ensure that advocacy around this issue is creative and firmly based on human rights.”
Moving forward
This year’s session of the forum is presented as an opportunity to promote the human rights of the African diaspora.
Panels and discussions will examine restorative justice through the return of cultural property; the human rights situation of young people of African descent; and the implications of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action, which remains the most comprehensive global framework to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, 25 years after its adoption.