UN Rights Chief: “Racial Justice Demands Collective Action”

By United Nations Photos: Facebook\YouTube Screenshots UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Tuesday welcomed the proclamation of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent by the UN General Assembly.   The new decade of action starting in January, will build on the progress of the past 10 years to advance the human rights of the diaspora worldwide. “Racial justice demands collective action,” Mr. Türk said. “To secure the full rights and freedoms of people of African descent, States and all of us must effectively confront the legacies of enslavement and colonialism, dismantle systemic racism and deliver reparatory justice. We need bold action to deliver real change,” the High Commissioner added. As coordinator for the International Decade, he said another important objective is the elaboration and adoption of a draft UN& declaration on the respect, protection and fulfilment of the human rights of people of African descent. Countries change course During the first ten years of action – despite persistent challenges – more than 30 countries changed their laws and policies to tackle racial discrimination and address specific issues faced by people of African descent – in some cases for the first time. This included the creation of the&...