Reparative Justice Frameworks Grounded in International Human Rights Law Essential to Ending Racism, Secretary-General Tells Permanent Forum on People of African Descent
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In his address to the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, UN Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged the persistence of racism and systemic inequality rooted in the legacies of colonialism and slavery. He emphasized that these historical injustices continue to shape current social, economic, and political realities, especially for people of African descent who still face exclusion, violence, and discrimination.
Mr Guterres stressed the need for reparatory justice frameworks grounded in international human rights law. These frameworks must be developed with the active participation of affected communities, recognizing both historical harms and their present-day consequences. He underscored that redress is not just a moral imperative but a legal and social necessity.
The Secretary-General also raised concerns about bias in artificial intelligence (AI), pointing out that new technologies often reproduce and amplify long-standing racial inequalities. He called for AI systems that promote equality, inclusion, and digital justice, and urged countries to uphold the commitments of the Global Digital Compact, adopted in 2024, as well as to invest in the capacity of people of African descent to develop and govern AI technologies.
In terms of broader goals, Guterres reiterated the importance of fulfilling the commitments made under the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action — the landmark global framework for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.
He closed with a call to action, emphasizing the shared responsibility of governments, international organizations, businesses, and individuals to fight racism and uphold the rights and dignity of people of African descent, particularly during this second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034).
