UN creates Permanent Forum of People of African Descent

UN General Assembly (UNGA) has approved a resolution on August 2, 2021 to establish a Permanent Forum of People of African Descent.

Key Findings

• This permanent forum of people will provide expert advice in addressing the challenges of racism, xenophobia, racial discrimination and intolerance.
• Resolution was adopted by consensus by the 193-member world body.
• It also calls for forum to serve as “a platform to improve safety and quality of life and livelihoods of people of African descent” and asks for their full inclusion in societies where they live.
• New body was created ahead of 20th anniversary of controversial September 2001 UN World Conference Against Racism that was held in Durban, South Africa. Conference was dominated by clashes over Middle East and legacy of slavery.

Background

Establishment of the forum has come during International Decade for People of African Descent which was established by the General Assembly and started on January 1, 2015. It will end on December 31, 2024. It focuses on themes like recognition, justice and development.

Why this forum was established?

This forum was established in the backdrop of concern over slavery. Document expressed deep regret on human suffering that was caused by slavery. It acknowledged that slave trade and slavery are crimes against humanity.

Mandates of new Forum

Permanent Forum of People of African Descent has been provided with following mandates:

1. To help in ensuring “full political, economic and social inclusion of people of African descent”.
2. To provide expert advice and recommendations on addressing racism to human rights council.

Members of Forum

New forum will comprise of 10 members of which five will be elected by General Assembly from all regions and five will be appointed by Human Rights Council in consultations with regional groups as well as organizations of people of African descent.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2021