A Year Dedicated to People of African Descent

"This is the year to recognise the role of people of African descent in global development and to discuss justice for current and past acts of discrimination that have led to the situation today."
(Mirjana Najcevska, Chairperson, UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent)

On 18 December 2009, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the year beginning on 1 January 2011 the International Year for People of African Descent. The Year aims at strengthening national action and regional and international cooperation for the benefit of people of African descent. This includes their full enjoyment of economic, cultural, social, civil and political rights, their participation and integration in all political, economic, social and cultural aspects of society, and the promotion of a greater knowledge of and respect for their diverse heritage and culture.

Many millions who identify themselves as being of African descent live in other parts of the world, outside of the African continent. In proclaiming this International Year, the international community is recognising that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected.

Official UN statements

• UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the International Year for People of African Descent
• UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21 March 2011)
• High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay
• Chairperson of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent Mirjana Najcevska

More information on the International Year for People of African Descent can be found on the United Nations website http://www.un.org