Dominique Day, president of Working group on African descent, to be speak after a visit to Paris from December 13 to 16.
Focus on development
Country visits by UN rights experts take place at the invitation of host governments and focus on fact-finding, diagnostics and recommendations.
However, the mission of the Working Group is different, as members consider opportunities and obstacles to achieve Sustainable development goals (SDGs) specifically for people of African descent.
These issues include invisibility or disregard for today’s experiences that may stem from the legacy of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade.
“Despite a worthy nationalist narrative, people of African descent at different stages of educational and career development, including those with considerable success, have reported that the blessing of institutional gatekeepers is indispensable for access and recognition, even with considerable skill and talent.” Dominique Day, president of the Working Group, said.
“Racist guarding is contrary to human rights, imposes severe development costs on people of African descent in particular and in general, and deprives France of proven economic momentum in many areas. “. she added.
Welcome efforts
During the mission, the Working Group engaged with human rights organisations, educational and cultural agencies of the United Nations, UNESCO, and a range of civil society representatives familiar with the development context.
“The Delegation welcomes continued efforts in several areas to shed light on key barriers and to build networks to ensure people of African descent can access the formal and informal mechanisms needed for their recruitment and career development,” the statement said.
The visit is also an opportunity to outline specific “developmental drivers” that the French authorities can use to drive improvements, and the task is guided by the Group’s Operational Guidelines. work on the inclusion of people of African descent Agenda 2030.
Ms. Day said the UNESCO Slave Route Project is an important source of knowledge for professionals, as it helps highlight historical and heritage issues that drive the current experience of people of African descent. .
“Although the Working Group does not meet with representatives of the French Government at this stage, it will share the observations gathered during this visit to initiate a dialogue based on the country’s human rights commitments. France should consider the economic and development benefits of partnerships with people of African descent,” she said.
The Working Group will share preliminary observations with the French Government and recommend the initiation of dialogue within the framework of an official visit to a country.
Independent voice
Independent experts, Special Rapporteurs and members of UN-designated Working Groups Dong Nhan Quyen Association to monitor and report on country-specific situations or topical issues.
These people serve in their own capacity and are not employees of the UN, nor are they paid by the UN.
