A report on key achievements realizing thematic objectives of the international decade for people of African descent

Olaiya, M.A., H. B. Adediran

Abstract

2015-2024 International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD) was launched at the United Nations Headquarters, New York in September 2014, by representatives of UN member states, international civil society and other stakeholders. This report gives a snapshot of what has been achieved in the UN OHCHR Region of North America, Central Asia and Europe during the first five years of the decade, despite the challenges of fiscal austerity and nationalist populism faced by the African diaspora globally. For expediency’s sake I have chosen section headings according to IDPAD’s thematic objectives of recognition, justice and development. I discuss briefly achievements made at the regional, national, and local level. For example, the role of successful collaborations between European public bodies and civil society, to achieve justice at the regional level is highlighted; in contrast only a handful of state parties have implemented national action plans for IDPAD’s Programme of Action. At the local level, I focus on the African diaspora’s experience of IDPAD in the city of Bristol, which coincidentally was awarded European Green Capital in 2015. Notably, in 2016 Bristol elected the first Black Mayor of a British city. The city’s administration includes other leaders of African descent including the Queen’s Lord Lieutenant of Bristol, the former Lord Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and city councillors. Some of these civic leaders are aware of IDPAD, and to varying degrees have ensured its thematic objectives have been included in their mandate for local policy development.

• Report Type: Research Report
• Acceptance Date: Apr 30, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Apr 30, 2020
• Publication Date: Apr 30, 2020
• Deposit Date: Jan 18, 2021
• Keywords: International Decade People African descent Sustainable Development Goals
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/6995371
• Publisher URL: https://en.unesco.org/inclusivepolicylab/e-teams/people-african-descent-and-sustainable-development-goals/documents/report-key-achievements
• Additional Information: Also published in https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/Racism/submissions/submission_olaiya-enar-uwe%20bristol.pdf