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UN Secretary-General Ant贸nio Guterres calls for stronger fight against systemic racism on International Day for People of African Descent
UN Secretary-General Ant贸nio Guterres urged a stronger fight against systemic racism and discrimination on the International Day for People of African Descent, celebrated on August 31, 2026. He advocated for greater equality, justice, and concrete changes to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights for people of African descent. Guterres acknowledged their significant contributions across various fields, including politics, science, arts, culture, innovation, sports, and business. However, he emphasized that these achievements should not obscure persistent obstacles to the full exercise of their rights. The Secretary-General condemned the resurgence of what he called false narratives that minimize the realities faced by people of African descent and erase their history. He also highlighted the persistence of systemic racism, social inequalities, hate speech, and the digital divide, linking them to the remnants of white supremacist ideology. Guterres stressed that combating these injustices requires recognizing historical facts and the lasting consequences of slavery and colonialism, particularly those related to the transatlantic slave trade. He also called for the removal of barriers preventing many people of African descent from fully exercising their rights and realizing their potential. The Secretary-General noted the growing calls for restorative justice and reparations for historical injustices, viewing the second International Decade for People of African Descent 2025