The 79th General Assembly of the United Nations today, by consensus, adopted a historic resolution proclaiming the Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025-2034), under the theme “Recognition, Justice and Development.” The new decade will build on the achievements of the first, advancing efforts to promote inclusion, combat racism, and safeguard the rights of people of African descent worldwide.
Brazil, in partnership with Colombia, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and the United States, introduced the text of the resolution, extending the Programme of Activities initiated during the First Decade. The focus of the Second Decade will continue to emphasize combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance while also prioritizing the social, political, and economic inclusion of people of African descent.
A Milestone in the Global Fight for Racial Equality
The proclamation of the Second International Decade is a significant milestone in the global movement toward racial equality and justice. The resolution marks the continuation of efforts that were set in motion during the First Decade (2015-2024), which was instrumental in shaping the international discourse on the rights of people of African descent. The resolution adopted today underscores a commitment to a more inclusive world where the contributions of people of African descent are recognized, and their rights are protected.
The First Decade was pivotal in advancing the International Decade for People of African Descent agenda, laying the groundwork for international cooperation to address the systemic inequalities faced by Afro-descendant communities. Key outcomes included greater visibility for issues of racial justice and increased efforts to combat discrimination through education, legislation, and social programs.
Brazil’s Role in the International Movement for Racial Justice
Brazil has been a strong advocate for the rights of people of African descent, both domestically and on the international stage. As one of the countries that introduced the resolution for the Second Decade, Brazil’s active engagement reflects the government’s longstanding commitment to combating racism and promoting racial equality within the country and globally.
In a joint statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) and the Ministry of Racial Equality, Brazil reaffirmed its dedication to furthering the agenda set out during the First Decade. The resolution’s adoption is a critical step toward realizing a world where people of African descent can fully enjoy their human rights and contribute to sustainable development.
The Brazilian government has made significant strides in addressing racial inequality, implementing national policies aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of Afro-Brazilian communities. Brazil’s participation in the International Decade for People of African Descent reinforces its leadership in promoting racial justice on the global stage.
A Call for Action: Advancing the Rights of People of African Descent
The Second Decade represents a unique opportunity to continue advancing the rights of people of African descent through international collaboration. Governments, civil society organizations, and international institutions will work together to ensure that the promises of recognition, justice, and development are translated into tangible actions.
As part of the United Nations’ continued focus on addressing racial discrimination, the Second Decade provides a framework for the comprehensive implementation of policies and programs that benefit Afro-descendant populations, particularly in areas of education, employment, political participation, and health.
Brazil’s continued involvement in this global effort highlights its determination to confront the challenges faced by Afro-descendant communities and work toward a more just and equitable world.
The Brazilian Ministry of Racial Equality emphasized that the commitment to the Second Decade is part of an ongoing effort to dismantle structural racism and promote inclusive development, both in Brazil and globally.