Introduction to the High Commissioner's midterm report on activities in follow-up to the implementation of the programme of activities in the framework of the International Decade for People of African Descent

45th Session of the Human Rights Council

Statement by Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

1 October 2020

Distinguished President,
Excellencies,
Colleagues and friends,

Events in recent months and weeks have yet again brought home the need to step up implementation of the Programme of Activities of the International Decade for People of African Descent.

As noted earlier, structural inequalities and racial discrimination have been manifest in violence against people of African descent, including by police. The disproportionate and devastating severity of the COVID-19 pandemic on people of African descent also exposes their marginalisation. Ending these and other harms caused by entrenched racial discrimination in institutions is crucial.

The Decade constitutes a key framework to focus such efforts – primarily by States, but also intergovernmental organisations and civil society.

As indicated in report A/HRC/45/47, which is before you, since the start of the Decade my Office has assisted the development of national anti-racial discrimination laws and action plans.

We have also assisted region-wide implementation of the Decade through engagement with the African Union, the Organisation of American States, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and European Union bodies.

Our work to strengthen and mainstream the aims of the Decade within the UN system has included strong partnership with UNESCO, UNFPA and ECLAC, and we have coordinated the UN Network on Racial Discrimination and Protection of Minorities.

To deepen national and regional engagement, and help connect key stakeholders with each other, we have organised three key regional meetings, in Brasilia, Geneva and Dakar. At each regional meeting, and for the majority of events organized or supported by the Office, we supported the participation of representatives of African descent civil society, including young people and women.

We have also advised, assisted and supported a great number of civil society actions and initiatives.

However, there is clearly an urgent need for stronger actions by States and other stakeholders. I would like to emphasise three of the report's major recommendations: national implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, with affected communities participating in drawing up action plans and policies; the need to finalize modalities of the Permanent Forum; and genuine engagement in drawing up the planned UN Declaration on the promotion and full respect of human rights of people of African descent.

Finally, I take this opportunity to urge that all States renew and strengthen their work to implement the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action in the context of next year's 20th  anniversary.   Greater support for the DPPA will also engender greater cooperation and synergy to implement the Programme of Activities of the Decade. 

I look forward to your thoughts on how States and others can accelerate implementation of the Programme of Activities.

Thank you.