The Permanent Forum on People of African Descent is an advisory body established by the United Nations to address the specific challenges faced by people of African descent around the world. It serves as a platform for improving the safety, quality of life, and livelihoods of African descendants globally. The Forum provides expert advice and recommendations to the Human Rights Council, the General Assembly, and other UN bodies, aiming to promote the full political, economic, and social inclusion of people of African descent.
Objectives and Mandate
1. Advocacy and Inclusion
The Forum advocates for the full inclusion of people of African descent in society, ensuring equal enjoyment of all human rights without discrimination. It aims to contribute to the full political, economic, and social inclusion of people of African descent in the societies in which they live.
2. Expert Advice
The Forum provides expert advice and recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council, General Assembly, and other relevant bodies. It focuses on addressing racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance that impede the full enjoyment of all human rights by people of African descent.
3. Monitoring and Progress Review
The Forum monitors and reviews progress on the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent. It gathers information from various sources, including governments, UN bodies, and non-governmental organizations, to assess the effectiveness of actions taken.
4. Data Collection and Awareness
A key role of the Forum is to promote the collection of high-quality, reliable, and disaggregated data that can help design better public policies for people of African descent. It also raises awareness and promotes the integration and coordination of activities related to people of African descent within the UN system.
Connection with Friends of the African Union (FAU)
Friends of the African Union (FAU) has been actively involved in the establishment and support of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. Since November 2014, FAU has worked within the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to create this forum. FAU’s efforts are aligned with the broader mission of advocating for the rights and development of people of African descent globally.
Regional Working Groups
The Permanent Forum operates through various regional working groups, each focused on specific geographic areas and issues. These include:
– South America Summit Working Group
– CARICOM Summit Working Group
– European Summit Working Group
– Indo-Pacific Summit Working Group
– ECOWAS Summit Working Group
– SADC Summit Working Group
– East African Community Summit Working Group
– ECCAS Summit Working Group
– COMESA Summit Working Group
– CEN-SAD Summit Working Group
These groups help ensure that the Forum’s objectives are addressed in different regions, taking into account the unique challenges and opportunities faced by people of African descent in each area.
Get Involved
The Permanent Forum on People of African Descent is a critical platform for those committed to advancing the rights and welfare of African descendants worldwide. Individuals, organizations, and governments are encouraged to engage with the Forum and support its initiatives to build a more just and equitable world for people of African descent.
