31/08/2026
๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐๐ง ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐๐ง๐ญ - August 31rst
By ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ก๐ข๐โ๐๐๐ /GICJ
The UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/75/170 designating 31st August as the International Day for People of African Descent on 16th December 2020. This day serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the significant contributions of people of African descent to the political, cultural, intellectual and economic life of societies worldwide, while also addressing the history and ongoing issues of racism, exclusion and inequality.
People of African descent continue to face systematic and structural racism and exclusion in several areas, including education, employment, healthcare, housing, political participation and the criminal justice system. Issues such as racial profiling and discriminatory policing remain significant concerns, while economic inequalities and lack of representation limit opportunities.
New challenges are also emerging. Artificial intelligence can perpetuate existing racial biases. The concern is not that AI itself is inherently racist, but rather that AI systems are developed within societies already marked by racial inequalities. Moreover, online racism and unequal access to technology further highlight the need for racial justice to evolve alongside a changing world.
The Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025โ2034) provides an opportunity to translate international commitments into tangible change. Governments must strengthen policies to combat structural racism, ensure meaningful participation of people of African descent in decisions affecting their lives, and invest in equality, development and reparatory justice.
As the World commemorates the International Day for People of African Descent, Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) welcomes the efforts undertaken by the United Nations and its Member States to advance the rights, recognition and dignity of people of African descent. While these efforts have raised international awareness and led to significant commitments, GICJ urges Member States to strengthen their engagement and translate these commitments into tangible, lasting action.
GICJ's Call to Action:
Challenge racism whenever you encounter it, whether in the workplace, educational institutions, public spaces, or online.
Examine personal and institutional biases, including unconscious assumptions about race, competence, criminality, intelligence, or belonging.
Promote accurate historical knowledge, especially regarding slavery, colonialism, and the contributions of African peoples to global development.
Support organisations focused on human rights, education, youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and social justice for people of African descent.
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