PURPOSE: The United Nations General Assembly by the resolution A/RES/75/170 have designated 30 August as International Day for People of African Descent. Through this Observance the United Nations aims to promote the extraordinary contributions of the African diaspora around the world and to eliminate all forms of discrimination against people of African descent. The International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024), proclaimed by UN General Assembly resolution 68/237, provides a solid framework for the United Nations, Member States, civil society and all other relevant actors to join together with people of African descent and take effective measures for people of African descent in the spirit of recognition, justice and development.
FORUM: "Recognition, justice and development." International Day for People of African Descent 2024. The world has made significant strides towards recognition, justice and development for people of African descent, yet the fact remains that women and girls face complex and intersecting challenges, spurred by racial discrimination and gender inequality – with deadly consequences. This year we will celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Afrodescendent women to the world – contributions that come in spite of the systemic racism that fuels violence and excludes people of African descent from services, land, housing, health care, education, work, political participation and justice. Around the world, people of African descent are speaking out and leading collective action to end racism and the injustices it perpetuates. Ending racism will take every one of us, working together to change discriminatory social norms, practices and policies, to expand participation, to transform institutions and invest in communities – and to end inaction and impunity. The United Nations strongly condemns the continuing violent practices and excessive use of force by law enforcement agencies against Africans and people of African descent and condemns structural racism in criminal justice systems around the world. The Decade is an operational platform conducive to encourage States to implement appropriate policies to reduce injustices, racism and discrimination against people of African descent, and to promote cultural diversity by valuing in particular the common cultural legacies that emerged from the interactions provoked by the history of slavery. Follow the conversations with the hashtags #AfricanDescent, #InternationalDecadeforPeopleofAfricanDescent; #africandescentday; #31august, #StandUp4HumanRights, #FightRacism.
EVENTS: On August 31th at United Nations Headquarters; As we mark the International Day for People of African Descent 2024, we also mark the final year of the International Decade for People of African Descent, an initiative launched by the United Nations General Assembly to recognize people in the Americas who are of African descent as a distinct group whose human rights must be safeguarded. The United Nations General Assembly Invites all Member States, all organizations and bodies of the United Nations system and other international and regional organizations, the private sector and academia, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and individuals, to observe the day in a appropriate manner. Through the observance, the United Nations aims to promote the extraordinary contributions of the African diaspora around the world and to eliminate all forms of discrimination against people of African descent. Watch the livestream!
CALL FOR PAPER: The Significance of Black History: A Century of Observance, 1926 to 2026 - Marking a century of weeklong and monthlong Black history observances sponsored by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History and its predecessors, the Journal of African American History is planning a special issue for 2026 that explores the impact of teaching, commemorating, and defending Black history.
STATEMENTS: “Together, let’s do our part to vanquish racism and discrimination, and build a world of equality, opportunity, and justice for all.” Statement by the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day for People of African Descent 2024; August 31st.
OTHER STATEMENTS:
PODCASTS: Let’s talk about the important contribution of women and girls of African descent to the development of societies and the promotion of mutual understanding and multiculturalism. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: As a rich source of the world’s shared heritage, the promoting African and Afrodescendant culture is crucial for the development of the continent, and for humanity as a whole. Get the communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
HOW TO GET INVOLVED?
PARTNERSHIPS
On 31 August 1920, the first International Convention of the Negro Peoples of the World ended in New York, and as a result of the discussions led by Marcus Garvey, the Declaration of Rights of the Negro Peoples of the World was promulgated. Every year on August 31st; the International Community celebrate the many vibrant cultures of the African continent. The International day for People from African Descent reflect the values that society shares. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well-being of their societies. Any doctrine of racial superiority is scientifically false, morally condemnable, socially unjust, and dangerous and must be rejected, together with theories that attempt to determine the existence of separate human races.
Celebrate the important contributions of people of African descent worldwide,
Advance social justice and inclusion policies,
Eradicate racism and intolerance,
Promote human rights, and
Assist in creating better, more prosperous communities, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals spearheaded by the United Nations.
Educate peoples about diverse cultures through Documentary film, dance, music and some the magnificent artwork
Share stories of individuals and communities.
Recognize the cultural, artistic, scientific, and political contributions of people of African descent.
Highlight the interconnectedness of past to present, including the legacy of the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, colonialism, mass incarceration, and systemic racism.
The International Day for People of African Descent is organized by the United Nations Department of Global Communications; The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; The Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent; The African Countries Permanent Missions; The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); The African Union; The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA); The International Coalition of Cities against Racism; The Elders and several Civil society Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations.