The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) organized the second session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent recently at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The forum is a significant development within the United Nations (UN) framework, reflecting the growing recognition of the rights and experiences of people of African descent worldwide. The establishment of this forum is historical for several reasons that begin in December 2022 with the 1st Forum in Geneva and recently convened for a 2nd Forum in New York.
The overarching theme of the second session is “Realizing the Dream: A United Nations Declaration on the Promotion, protection and full respect of the human rights of People of African Descent”.
The Second Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD) will be part of a global consultative process with a focus on five thematic panels on global reparatory justice, Pan-Africanism, transnational migration, data-collection for recognizing and addressing systemic and structural racism, and health, well-being, and intergenerational trauma.
Lady Tee Thompson is one of the attendees at the event who spoke about the pressing issues and some challenges facing African descents
In her remark address, Nelson Mandela said, “Freedom cannot be achieved unless the people have been emancipated from ALL forms of oppression.”
“These words resonate within the context of our discussions. We must recognize that accessibility to this very forum where crucial discussions are made, remains limited to people with disabilities or of African descent. We must go beyond mere provisions of broken wheelchairs in Geneva and “no exceptions” policies for UN pass retrieval times in New York” she said
“Let us embrace inclusivity, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can fully participate in the deliberate dialogues that shape their lives,” She said
“Equally, we cannot overlook the barriers faced by African citizens who seek to attend this forum. Long wait times for issuing visas and indigo approvals create significant obstacles for those who wish to share their perspectives and contribute to the discourse. We must strive for efficient and fair procedures that enable diverse voices to be heard, transcending borders and fostering true global cooperation”
Lady Tee Thompson advocates for African Development by putting an end to human, labour, and sex trafficking and drums support for communities ravaged by conflicts or natural disasters, eulogizing the efforts of Threshold of Hope in Nigeria, which has been working towards ensuring a life free from inequality and discrimination for every woman.
“Another pressing concern that demands our attention is education & prevention of human trafficking particularly in communities ravaged by conflict, crises, or climatic disasters, vulnerable populations are subjected to labour and sex trafficking. It is our collective responsibility to provide comprehensive education and support systems, empowering migratory, refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced people to recognize and combat these heinous crimes. For example, Threshold of Hope in Nigeria does just that. To the voiceless communities they serve. Only then can we ensure that human rights and dignity of every individual are protected and upheld.”
“Together, let us strive for accessibility, inclusivity, and justice. Let us uphold the principles of human rights and create a future where no person is left behind” she concluded
