International coalition of civil society and grassroots organizations and experts key to leading successful efforts to establish the Permanent Forum
New York, August 2, 2021 — The United Nations General Assembly made a landmark decision by adopting a resolution by consensus to create a Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. The historic decision was met with applause by General Assembly members present for the vote.
The Permanent Forum on People of African Descent will address issues related to anti-black racism as well as the human rights of people of African descent around the world by creating a clear way for civil society and grassroots organizations around the world to address – directly to the UN and the international community – the most pressing issues related to anti-black racism, inequality, climate crisis, health and other issues affecting people of African descent. The Permanent Forum on People of African Descent is modeled on the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
An international coalition of civil society and grassroots organizations worked to draft modalities for the Permanent Forum as well as lobby for its establishment.
“This is an historic moment for the United Nations and for the entire world,” said Dr Ornette D Clennon from MaCTRI, one of the UK representatives in the coalition.
“People of African Descent have long known that we share common struggles no matter where we are. We want an opportunity to engage, plan, strategize together. That’s what this Forum helps us to do.”
Member states spoke out strongly in favor of the forum, including Nigeria, who spoke on behalf of the Africa Group in support of the Forum, and Algeria, which had strong words of hope that the forum would address the “persistent remnants of colonialism and enslavement.”
“We’re grateful to all of the member states that worked with us, met with us, and helped us as we navigated this process. We are excited that our visions are aligned and we look forward to the impactful work that will come from the Forum” said Dr Michael McEachrane, Sweden-based scholar-activist and founder/coordinator of the international civil society and grassroots coalition.
The Forum will be established in 2022 and will be fully staffed. Civil society and grassroots organizations will be working throughout the year to raise awareness for the forum, generate support, and plan for a celebration for the official launch of the forum.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Media contacts: Dr Ornette D Clennon – ornette@meap.org.uk Dr Michael McEachrane – mceachrane@gmail.com
Background information – https://critracemmu.wordpress.com/2021/04/06/2021-civil-society-proposal-on-the-modalities-of-the-un-permanent-forum-on-people-of-african-descent-ii-6-4-21/
Concept Note for the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (UK perspective) – https://critracemmu.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/concept-note-for-the-un-permanent-forum-for-people-of-african-descent.pdf
A podcast explaining The UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent – https://open.spotify.com/show/6oFmePjnkV8xHPBdGpih0g
Concept Note for Mobilising the WTO for the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (UK perspective) – https://critracemmu.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/concept-note-for-mobilising-wto-for-un-permanent-forum-for-people-of-african-descent.pdf
For enquiries about civil society and grassroots organisations working groups and participation, please contact Dr Amara Enyia – aenyia@gmail.com
