Reparations Vital to End Systemic Racism: UN Chief

The Ogiek indigenous people have been awarded reparations by the African Court on Human and People’s Rights (file photo).

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has described reparatory justice for colonialism, enslavement and the transatlantic slave trade as “key to dismantling systemic racism.”

Speaking on Tuesday at the fifth session of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, he highlighted progress made over recent decades in advancing racial justice and equality. These include the adoption of anti-discrimination laws, the establishment of independent human rights and equality institutions, and initial steps towards reparations.

However, he said the situation for people of African descent worldwide remains “uneven and fragile”, with some areas even seeing setbacks, reports UN News.

‘Daily realities’ of poverty, racism and AI bias

The UN rights chief pointed to persistent discrimination in everyday life — from workplaces to hospitals, classrooms and interactions with law enforcement. He noted that poverty rates remain consistently higher among people of African descent across all regions, particularly among women, young people and those facing multiple forms of discrimination.

“Racism and dehumanising rhetoric still pervade our public institutions, communities and online platforms,” he said, warning that digital technologies, including AI, are “reproducing and amplifying existing biases.”

“These daily realities,” he added, “are the direct legacy of colonialism and enslavement.”

Steps towards racial justice and equality

Türk outlined three key priorities for member states: adopting and enforcing anti-racism laws and policies; ensuring the inclusion of young people of African descent and civil society at all levels of decision-making; and maintaining momentum towards reparatory justice.

He welcomed the United Nations General Assembly resolution of 25 March declaring the transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity, along with steps by some governments and institutions to issue apologies and return cultural artefacts.

At the same time, he cautioned that “efforts to advance reparatory justice are facing resistance in some quarters,” stressing the need for advocacy that is both creative and firmly grounded in human rights.

Moving forward

This year’s forum is being held as an opportunity to advance the rights of the African diaspora. Discussions will focus on reparatory justice, including the return of cultural artefacts, the human rights of young people of African descent, and the continued relevance of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, 25 years after its adoption.