UNGA creates new Permanent Forum of People of African Descent

United Nations, Aug 3 (Prensa Latina) Capping years of deliberations, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution establishing the United Nations Permanent Forum of People of African Descent, a 10-member advisory body that will work closely with the Geneva-based Human Rights Council.

August 3, 2021
07:22

The text endorses UNGA’s vow to respect human dignity and equality for the victims of slavery, slave trade, and colonialism.

Among other mandate tasks, it will seek to advance the full political, economic and social inclusion of people of African descent in the societies in which they live –as equal citizens without discrimination, and with equal enjoyment of human rights- and contribute to the elaboration of a UN declaration on the rights of people of African descent

According to the approved resolution, the UN Permanent Forum of People of African Descent will be made up of members appointed by governments and by the presidency of the UN Human Rights Council. Its goal is to defend the inclusion of African descent communities at political, economic and social levels.

Among other functions, the Forum must assess a possible United Nations declaration on the promotion, protection and full respect of the human rights of Afro-descendants.

It will also collect best practices and monitor progress on the effective implementation of the International Decade’s activities, gathering relevant information from Governments, UN bodies, non-governmental groups and other relevant sources.

pgh/Pll/jha / ifb