The theme for the Decades is
“People of African descent:
recognition, justice and development”
The first International Decade was declared in 2014 and spanned the ten years from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2024. The Second Decade for People of African Descent, 2025 – 2034 was declared on December 17, 2024. The themes continue to be Recognition, Justice and Development with the overall goal – to promote and protect human rights. “The first International Decade, while a significant milestone, fell short in delivering transformative change.” UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner.
Second Decade
U.N. Experts visit Canada. The Working Group visited Canada from 17 to 21 October 2016, visiting Ottawa, Toronto, Halifax and Montreal. Invited by the Government of Canada, the experts met with several federal government departments including Global Affairs, Statistics Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Public Safety, RCMP, National Defence, Correctional Services, and the Canadian Human Rights Commission. The 16-page report was published in August 2017. It includes a historical overview and demographics, and detailed documentation on framework and steps taken by Canada to protect the human rights of people of African descent, manifestations of racial discrimination; followed by conclusions and 41 recommendations. Link to the report
For the SECOND DECADE, in a news release on December 18, 2024 the Canadian Government has said they welcome the adoption of a second International Decade. Statement