In his message on the occasion of the International Day for People of African Descent, the high representative called on governments to “dismantle entrenched structural and institutional racism.”

“Today and every day we must continue to speak out against all ideas of racial superiority and work tirelessly to free all societies from the scourge of racism,” he added.

The UN chief insisted on the organization’s call to promptly adopt strong measures to promote equality and combat racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia, in the context of the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

On this day, the world celebrates “the cultural, economic, political and scientific achievements and contributions of people of African descent throughout history in all fields of human endeavor,” Guterres stressed.

The African continent and its descendants have an enormous impact on the development, diversity and richness of the world’s civilizations and cultures, which constitute the common heritage of humanity, he added.

On Wednesday, 13 experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council called on the General Assembly for a second United Nations Decade for People of African Descent.

More than ever, the world urgently needs humanity to unite and work together in a spirit of equality and non-discrimination, they said in the text released.

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