General Assembly resolution A/RES/74/137 and the Human Rights Council resolution A/HRC/RES/42/29 indicate the convening of a midterm review, in 2020, of the International Decade for People of African Descent. In this connection, the Working Group of Experts on people of African Descent has decided to dedicate a panel within its 26th session (Geneva, 30 March- 3 April 2020) to this topic in preparation for the midterm review scheduled to be held during the first half of the year.

The midterm review is an important benchmark to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the programme of activities of the Decade. The review is vital for assessing the effectiveness of the programme of activities of the International Decade in terms of meeting its objectives and the challenges during the first five years and, based on the assessment, generating improvements in the activities and programmes planned for the next five years.

Call for inputs

The midterm review will take stock of the progress made and decide on further necessary actions. As part of the preparatory work, the Working Group would appreciate receiving views from all interested stakeholders on the key achievements in realizing the three objectives of the International Decade (Recognition, Justice, and Development) for people of African descent. It would be useful to receive examples of legislative measures, implementation of national actions plans or policies, establishment of monitoring and complaint mechanisms, awareness raising and institutional strengthening activities, research, data collection, community engagement, or other measures or activities undertaken by Member States, national human rights institutions and equality bodies, civil society, and UN agencies, funds and programmes. In addition to achievements in the abovementioned areas, the Working Group would also appreciate receiving inputs on challenges in the implementation of the International Decade and recommendations for action that must be prioritized in the next 5 years.

This information may be sent to the WGEPAD Secretariat at the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations Office at Geneva (e-mail: africandescent@ohchr.org). Please note that in order for all inputs to be considered during the WGEPAD 26th session, inputs should be submitted by 30 April 2020.

Submissions received from civil society: Mid-term review of the International Decade for people of African descent

• Ade Olaiya
• Ade Olaiya addendum
• Canadian Commission for UNESCO
• International Association Against Torture
• International Coalition of People of African Descent
• Latin American Council for the Decade on people of African descent (ALDA)
• UN Decade Coordination and Monitoring Working Group and others (joint submission)