QUNO NY recently attended the second session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent which took place at UN headquarters from May 30 to June 2. This newly established forum, which alternates annually between the UN in New York and Geneva, serves as a crucial platform for people of African Descent from across the globe to gather to voice their concerns regarding the persisting violence and discrimination faced by Africans and people of African Descent. The forum also provides space for civil society to engage directly with Member States and the UN system to co-create and enhance efforts to end systemic violence, injustice and discrimination against people of African Descent. Additionally, in 2021 the General Assembly extended an invitation to the forum to contribute to a declaration on the human rights of people of African Descent.

During the four-days, QUNO New York participated in sessions that centered around reparatory justice, systemic racism, and racial and gender violence. Throughout these sessions, there was a resounding call for the establishment of a second International Decade for People of African Descent to build upon the progress and foundation laid by the first decade. In an opening statement made by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, at the forum, Mr. Türk noted that for too long racism has been treated as a social issue rather than a serious human rights violation, to which it is. 

QUNO NY looks forward to collaborating with QUNO Geneva and the American Friends Service Committee at future Forums to share the perspectives and experiences of the Quaker community on these issues. Once again, we would like to echo the overdue need for such a forum and look forward to contributing and collaborating with many different civil society organizations working to end racial discrimination and systemic and historic injustice.

Photo description and credit: A member of the Batoto Yetu dance company performs during the opening of the Second Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. UN Photo/Loey Felipe