31st August is commemorated as International Day for People of African Descent.  This year is the 2nd commemoration of this International Day created by the United Nations to honour the rich contributions of people of African descent; celebrate the richness of their diverse cultures; promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; and reinforce commitments to end racism and all forms of racial discrimination.

As we observe this Day, we are pleased to share with you the following:

  1. Official video messages
  • UN Deputy Secretary General Ms. Amina Mohammed
  • High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Michelle Bachelet
  • UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem
  1. UN News interviewwith subject experts Dominique Day and Verene Shepherd as they discuss links between the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the global economy.   Dominique Day is human rights lawyer, and member of the UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent. Verene Shepherd is a social historian, and the chairperson of the UN Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD).
  1. Musical performance of “Back to Our Roots” by performed by the Costa Rican Calypso band Kawe.
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