Every February, Canadians celebrate Black History Month to acknowledge the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians. This year’s theme for Black History Month is the “International Decade for People of African Descent.”
The International Decade for People of African Descent, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly to be observed from 2015 to 2024, provides a solid framework for the United Nations, Member States, civil society and all other relevant actors to join together with people of African descent and take effective measures for people of African descent in the spirit of recognition, justice and development.
The main objectives of the International Decade are as follows:
- Promote respect, protection and fulfilment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by people of African descent, as recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
- Promote a greater knowledge of and respect for the diverse heritage, culture and contribution of people of African descent to the development of societies; and
- Adopt and strengthen national, regional and international legal frameworks according to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and to ensure their full and effective implementation.
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