People of African descent and the SDGs

Statement by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet 

27 February 2019

Vice-President Campbell-Barr,
Distinguished panellists,
Excellencies,
Friends and colleagues,

I’m delighted that today we have the chance to focus on the promotion of equality and development for people of African descent.

As we are all aware, for centuries, people of African descent have been disproportionately impacted by inequalities and structural discrimination, which are deeply rooted in colonialism and slavery. 

Today, women, girls, LGBTI people, youth, and migrants of African descent face significantly greater obstacles because of multiple and intersecting discrimination. Stereotypes and prejudice are ingrained in the media, schools, businesses, workplaces, politics, health and criminal justice systems, and in our communities. 

It´s high time that we move beyond a world, where virtually every aspect of our lives is affected by the colour of our skin.

In recent decades we’ve celebrated important achievements by civil rights movements and political campaigns. But we still have a long road to travel before people of African descent can enjoy their human rights unimpeded by discrimination.

Inequality harms not only people but States. It’s inefficient and economically damaging. It creates humiliation and harm, and sows the seeds of discontent, grievance, tension and violence. 

Equality and non-discrimination are fundamental principles of international human rights law, underpinning the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and all international human rights treaties.  

The Sustainable Development Goals give us a powerful framework within which we can deliver these rights. The 2030 Agenda is grounded in human rights, and its entire focus is on addressing injustices and disparities. The core principle of “leaving no one behind” is founded on combating discrimination, inequalities and the root causes of exclusion. The pledge to reach the furthest behind first is especially relevant in the context of our discussions today, since in many societies, people of African descent are amongthe furthest behind.

I'm talking about inequalities of wealth and income. Inequalities in access to work and quality education. Inequalities in access to health care, food and housing. Inequalities in access to decision-making positions. And also inequalities before the law. In many countries a woman or man's treatment by police and by the justice system will be demonstrably affected by the colour of her or his skin. 

The 2030 Agenda recognizes the “enormous disparities of opportunity, wealth and power” across the world and the persistence of “gender inequalities.”  Its 17 goals, 169 targets and numerous measurable indicators are signposts to solve many of the challenges of these injustices and disparities, including racial discrimination. 

A number of the issues covered under the 2030 Agenda align closely with human rights standards, and can be powerful levers to advance the rights of people of African descent. Access to justice is just one example. There are targets on access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food for all; universal health coverage; free equitable and quality primary and secondary education; access to safe and affordable water, sanitation, hygiene and housing; and access to “safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.” 

The 2030 Agenda seeks to achieve durable and truly inclusive development for all. It is people-centred and consistent with States’ human rights obligations, including the right to development.  It is intended to reach all people, within all communities, and the list of groups to be given specific focus is perhaps the most expansive of any international document of its kind. Realisation of the Agenda is a promise of real transformation.

Excellencies,

We are nearly a third of the way through the duration of the 2030 Agenda. We must step up the pace.  Delivering the Sustainable Development Goals will require more than good intentions and spreadsheets.  We will need partnership and teamwork, across the United Nations, Member States, national human rights institutions and civil society. 

In particular, we’ll need States to take decisive action. They have the greatest capacity to deliver change, and the primary responsibility for eliminating racial discrimination and fulfilling people’s human rights.  I look forward to seeing States upholding equal rights to economic resources, including ownership and control over land and other forms of property; and promoting full and effective participation of leadership at all levels of decision-making. I look forward to policies for social inclusion, non-discrimination in the workforce, and the promotion of decent work. 

To achieve racial and gender equality, we need stronger social care and protection systems, because during times of economic crisis, people who face racial discrimination -- and especially women and young people from these communities -- are often the most severely affected by unemployment.

Leaving no one behind requires States to revise or adopt equality legislation. It requires fairer fiscal policies. It means not just creating national racial equality bodies, but ensuring they are fully resourced, accountable and effective. It requires a tone of respectful and non-discriminatory discourse from the very top levels of government.  We need campaigns to eliminate stereotypes and recognise the achievements and contributions of all members of society, including people of African descent. It may require affirmative action policies to increase access to education and employment for groups, which have historically suffered discrimination; it may also require targeted health programmes and other initiatives to address specific needs of people of African descent. 

Excellencies,

The prize is great: equality for all our citizens will build stronger democracies, economic and social progress, peace, and sustainable development.  We have a unique opportunity to reverse the systemic racism that has impeded socio-economic progress and limited the realisation of people’s rights across the globe. 

The International Decade for people of African descent is giving fresh impetus to this work, but we have little time to rectify centuries of damage.   

The Nigerian poet and Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, reminds us that – like human rights themselves - the imperatives of time are universal.

He says: “Of those imperatives that challenge our being, our presence, and humane definition at this time, none can be considered more pervasive than the end of racism, the eradication of human inequality, and the dismantling of all their structures.”

Let’s use the time we have until all our communities share equal access to their human rights, hopes and dreams.

Thank you.