The First International Decade
The First International Decade for People of African Descent (2015 to 2024) was proclaimed by the United Nations ‘to promote the extraordinary contributions of the African Diaspora worldwide.’
It was also established ‘to eliminate all forms of discrimination against People of African Descent,’ to ‘Acknowledge historical injustices such as the transatlantic slave trade’ and to ‘combat systemic racism and advance human rights, equality and reparatory justice.’
The proclamation also aligns with the ongoing framework of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, focused on sustainable recognition, justice and development.
Reparatory Justice, Youth Leadership and Decade Alignment
The 2026 International Day for People of African Descent is being observed under the theme “Expanding the Human Rights of People of African Descent”, within the framework of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034).
Building on the achievements of the First International Decade, the observance reaffirms the commitment to Recognition, Justice and Development, while accelerating action to address persistent inequalities, systemic racism and the lasting impacts of racialized chattel enslavement and colonialism.
It also provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among the United Nations (UN), Member-States, Civil Society and People of African Descent, to advance the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide.
The 2026 observance seeks to expand the human rights of People of African Descent through stronger legal, policy and institutional measures to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
It also underscores the importance of ensuring the full enjoyment of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights, while advancing equal access to education, employment, healthcare, housing and economic opportunities.
These priorities reflect the objectives of the Second International Decade and build on efforts to increase visibility, awareness and respect for People of African Descent and their contributions to society.
This year’s discussions examine reparatory justice through the return of cultural artefacts, the human rights situation of Youth of African Descent and the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), as an opportunity to reflect on turning existing human rights commitments into concrete action.
Guided by the DDPA, these discussions will reinforce international efforts to address the enduring consequences of racism, racial discrimination, the transatlantic slave trade, racialized chattel slavery and colonialism, through sustained cooperation and concrete action.
Advancing Recognition, Justice and Development
The launch of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent reflects both the progress achieved during the First Decade and the recognition that significant challenges remain.
The year 2024 marked the conclusion of the International Decade, during which progress was made at the legislative, policy and institutional levels.
But, People of African Descent continue to experience intersectional and compounded forms of racial discrimination, marginalization and exclusion.
The continuing lack of recognition remains a significant barrier to the full and effective enjoyment of human rights.
These ongoing challenges demonstrate the need for continued international attention and action to advance the rights and well-being of People of African Descen
The Second International Decade was therefore proclaimed to build on the achievements of the first, while accelerating efforts to address persistent inequalities, systemic racism and the lasting impacts of enslavement and colonialism.
From Progress to Action
Governments have taken steps to improve the statistical visibility of People of African Descent, to help address historical injustices and disparities in access to healthcare, social services and opportunities.
However, at a global level, further action, political will and sustained investment remain essential to eliminate inequalities and ensure the full enjoment of economic, social, cultural, civil, and political rights.
Through continued cooperation and concrete action, the Second International Decade provides a framework for translating existing commitments into concrete measures that advance Recognition, Justice and Development and expand the human rights of People of African Descent worldwide.