AFRICAN GROUP STATEMENT ON THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

  Delivered by

H.E. Ambassador Issa Konfourou, Permanent Representative of Mali to the United Nations and Chair of the Month

23rd March 2026

Mr. President,

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Chairperson,

1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the African Group.

2. Today, we join the international community in continuing to celebratethe 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), we urge for the continued mobilization of the political will, to address individually and collectively challenges that hinder us all; to fully and effectively enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

3. We hail achievements reached thus far, while, a lot remains to be done, we must renew our commitment to aim at a world where everyone is treated equitably and equally, without any distinction.

4. The Group urges the need for us, all, to resolve to adopt all necessary measures to eliminate racial discrimination in all its forms and manifestations, to prevent and combat racist doctrines and practices in order to build an international community that is truly inclusive, equal and free from all forms of racial segregation and racial discrimination.

Excellences,

5. The Group applauds the international frameworks built to fight racism, pursuant to the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is now nearing universal ratification, and yet, until to date, it is disappointing that, in all regions, in all sectors, many individuals, suffer from the injustice, racism, racial discrimination,

xenophobia and related intolerance.

Chair,

6. It is a time to affirm our commitment to equality, to continue efforts to eliminate racism, and ensure equal treatment for all peoples globally; including to ensure the right to development, an inalienable right.

7. The African Group stresses the need for comprehensive implementation of ICERD and for the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Progamme of Action, in addressing contemporary forms of racism and ensure accountability for racial discrimination.

Distinguished Delegates,

8. The African Group commends efforts to promote and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Africans and people of African descent. The Africans and people of African descent continue to face systemic barriers and exclusions. We urge States to take concrete measures to address and eliminate structural racism, including racial profiling, unequal access to education, healthcare, housing, employment and in infrastructure and social services; among others.

Chair,

9. The African Group welcomes the convening of the 25 th Anniversary in September this year, of the Durban declaration and programme of Action and the second decade of People of African Descent 2025-2035, we urge that the Second International Decade to propel progress, address ongoing bottlenecks, and intensify efforts to secure the rights and fundamental freedoms of People of African Descent by empowering Africans and people of African descent, including in decision-making.

10. Excellences, the African Group is convinced of the vital role the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent plays in fostering dialogue, advancing racial justice, and promoting equality. We urge the Forum should facilitate the exchange of best practices, provide technical assistance, and monitor progress in implementing the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

We recommend that the Forum prioritize global reparatory and economic justice as a critical component of addressing structural inequalities in the global economy, achieving sustainable development, and ensuring global racial equality.

Chair,

10. Allow me, to remind that, in February 2025, the African Union (AU) Assembly of heads of states and governments summit theme: was “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”, the summit further adopted the decision on Qualification of Slavery, Deportation and Colonization as Crimes against Humanity and Genocide Against the Peoples of Africa which collectively consider slavery and colonization as serious violations of human dignity and affirm the continental commitment to the recognition of these historical injustices and the healing of its wounds through reparations; in pursuit of justice, equity and equality, the scope of this decision, go beyond historical injustices and racism, it includes the current fabric of racism, the modern forms of slavery.

Excellences,

11.The African Group stresses the importance of addressing the root causes of racism, including historical injustices and ongoing discrimination. We call for increased investment in education, awareness-raising, and capacity-building to combat racism and promote inclusivity.

12 . We emphasize the need for robust data collection and analysis to understand and address racial disparities. States need to establish national mechanisms to monitor and report on racism, ensuring accountability and transparency.

14. Excellences, Mr. President, Distinguished Delegates, Chair,

In conclusion, the African Group urges all States to commit to ICERD and other internationally agreed frameworks against racism including the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, we should demonstrate renewed political commitment, advance concrete actions to dismantle systemic racism and promote racial justice and equality. We must work together to build a more just and equitable World for us, all.

I thank you, Chair.