In its resolution 68/237, the General Assembly proclaimed the International Decade for People of African Descent to be observed from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2024, with the theme “People of African descent: recognition, justice and development.” Subsequently, the General Assembly adopted a programme of activities for the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent, which requested the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly an annual progress report on the implementation of activities of the Decade (GA resolution 69/16, para. 29(b)).

This year’s annual report will provide a final assessment of progress made in implementing the programme of activities of the Decade, with a view to providing guidance and identify concrete recommendations for future courses of action to ensure the continued protection and promotion of the human rights of people of African descent after the conclusion of the Decade.

Objectives

This call for written submission aims to inform the preparation of the 2024 report of the United Nations Secretary-General on the implementation of the programme of activities of the International Decade for People of African Descent to be presented to the General Assembly at its seventy-ninth session.

Key questions and types of input/comments sought

OHCHR would welcome information from States, relevant human rights bodies, organs and mechanisms of the United Nations, specialized agencies, funds and programmes, international, regional, subregional and non-governmental organizations, including organizations of people of African descent, national human rights institutions and other stakeholders, concerning the implementation of the programme of activities for the International Decade for People of African Descent.

OHCHR would welcome information about concrete and practical steps taken at national level through the adoption and effective implementation of national and international legal frameworks, policies and programmes to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance faced by people of African descent, taking into account the particular situation of women, girls and young males, in particular in the following areas as identified in the programme of activities.

1. Recognition
   • Right to equality and non-discrimination
   • Education on equality and awareness-raising
   • Information-gathering
   • Participation and inclusion
2. Justice
   • Access to justice
   • Special measures
3. Development
   • Right to development and measures against poverty
   • Education
   • Employment
   • Health
   • Housing
4. Multiple or aggravated discrimination

OHCHR would also welcome information about concrete and practical steps undertaken by the international community and international and regional organizations in implementing the programme of activities of the Decade.

OHCHR would also welcome concrete recommendations for future courses of action to ensure the continued protection and promotion of the human rights of people of African descent after the conclusion of the Decade.

How inputs will be used

Inputs received will inform the inform the preparation of the 2024 report of the United Nations Secretary-General on the implementation of the programme of activities of the International Decade for People of African Descent.