THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) welcomes the renewal of the International Decade for People of African Descent by the United Nations (UN) for a second term (2025–2034).

Noting that this reaffirms the UN’s commitment to advancing the rights, recognition, and development of people of African heritage globally, the
ERC emphasised that the decision extends the objectives of the original decade (2015–2024) under the themes of recognition, justice, and development, ensuring that the progress made thus far is strengthened and expanded.

The commission said it believes that the renewal of the Decade for People of African Descent resonates deeply with Guyana’s history and is a significant step toward addressing historical injustices and enhancing promotion of the African heritage.

The ERC recognises the invaluable contributions that Guyanese of African descent have made in shaping our national identity, as well as their ongoing contributions to the country’s continued progress.

As part of its mandate, the commission will continue working to ensure that the rights of all Guyanese, including persons of African descent, are upheld.

Furthermore, the ERC urges all Guyanese to embrace this renewed commitment by actively promoting unity, mutual understanding and respect among the country’s diverse communities.

As stated by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) at the UN, the second International Decade for People of African Descent was proclaimed on December 17, 2024.

This second international decade is said to be an opportunity to take concrete action to confront the legacies of enslavement and colonialism, deliver reparatory justice and secure the full human rights and freedoms of people of African descent worldwide.
Acknowledging that the first international decade was a significant milestone, the OHCHR said it fell short in delivering transformative change. This it said, was according to several experts on the human rights of people of African descent.

The first international decade raised global awareness and strengthened legal and institutional frameworks. The UN’s efforts during this period included supporting the development of anti-discrimination laws, national action plans and institutional measures; promoting cultural heritage through initiatives such as UNESCO’s “Routes of Enslaved Peoples” and “General History of Africa”; supporting anti-racism education and awareness campaigns globally, as well as equipping people of African descent with tools to claim their rights, for example, through the Fellowship programme for people of African descent.

It was noted that the Chair of the UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent (WGEPAD), Barbara Reynolds, said that the initial effort increased awareness of anti-Black racism and the human rights of people of African descent, but lacked enough political will and investment from member states.

The official also highlighted key outcomes of the first international decade, including increased visibility of Afro-descendant issues, the establishment of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD) and the ongoing work on the UN declaration on the respect, protection and fulfilment of the human rights of people of African descent.

Additionally, the OHCHR stated that the Chair of the PFPAD, June Soomer, agreed and emphasised that while some gains were achieved, structural inequalities in education, healthcare, housing, economic opportunities and political representation, persist.

She said that systemic racism continues to deprive people of African descent of basic human rights, exacerbated by climate vulnerabilities, digital exclusion, and environmental injustices.

Despite these advances, Soomer noted persistent challenges and the lack of implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, a comprehensive international framework for combating racism and racial discrimination.
“The continued challenge of addressing economic empowerment of people of African descent, compounded by limited and even reversal of access to economic opportunities, remains a persistent struggle,” said Soomer, before adding, “Health disparities, especially those affecting women and girls of African descent, require urgent and sustained attention.”