A/HRC/21/60
United Nations
General Assembly
Distr.: General
16 July 2012
Original: English
Human Rights Council
Twenty-first session
Agenda item 9
Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
forms of intolerance, follow-up and implementation of
the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action
Report of the Working Group of Experts on People of
African Descent on its eleventh session
(Geneva, 30 April – 4 May 2012)
Chairperson-Rapporteur: Verene Shepherd
Summary
The main focus of the discussions during the eleventh session of the Working Group
of Experts on People of African Descent was the draft Programme of Action for the Decade
for People of African Descent (2013-2022), pursuant to General Assembly resolution
66/144.
Recognition, justice and development were chosen as themes for the Decade by
most participants. Participants identified as priority areas for inclusion in the Programme of
Action for the Decade the following issues: the right to equality and non-discrimination for
people of African descent; education and awareness which recognizes the history, cultures
and contributions of people of African descent; the need to disaggregate data; participation
and inclusion in all areas of society including decision-making processes; equal protection
of the law and countering discrimination in the administration of justice system; the right to
development; access to quality education, employment, health and housing; special
measures to realise the rights of people of African descent; and the multiple forms of
discrimination faced particularly by women and children of African descent among others.
Members of the Working Group and participants also discussed activities
undertaken by the Working Group during the past year; and examined retrospectively at the
International Year for People of African Descent and the tenth anniversary of the Durban
Declaration and Programme of Action.
GE.12-15260