A/74/274
United Nations
General Assembly
Distr.: General
2 August 2019
Original: English
Seventy-fourth session
Item 70 (b) of the provisional agenda*
Elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia
and related intolerance: comprehensive implementation of
and follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme
of Action
Report of the Working Group of Experts on People of
African Descent
Summary
The legacy of racial stereotypes and negative characterizations of people of
African descent, which were created to justify the enslavement of Africans, continue
today. Racial stereotypes have evolved, transforming society, and continue to harm
people of African descent and violate their human rights. With globalization, the need
for the development of a robust human rights framework, including mechanisms
specifically to deal with racism, has arisen. Legally cognizable claims of racial
injustice have frequently elicited explicit condemnation. However, insufficient
attention has been given to addressing racial bias and stereotyping, which are root
causes of discrimination, are evident in many fields, including the criminal justice
system, health, education, employment and housing, and are measurable in terms of
entrenched racial disparities.
In the present report, the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent
looks at the role of negative racial stereotypes and the stereotyping of people of
African descent in perpetuating racially biased decision-making, racial disparities and
racial injustice. The Working Group reviews the historical use and ongoing prevalence
of racial stereotypes and racial stereotyping in everyday life, including in
advertisements, the media, social media, the criminal justice system and elsewhere. In
many areas throughout society, we continue to witness the denigration of people of
African descent, as well as the impulse to control black bodies that is licensed by the
imagery we see and tolerate. The report concludes with recommendations to address
racial bias and stereotyping of people of African descent.
* A/74/150.
19-13272 (E)
210819
*1913272*