Guyana says more must be done to achieve reparative justice

As Guyana supports the extension of the International Decade for People of African Descent, the nation recognises that more ought to be done to achieve true reparative justice.

This is according to Vanessa Benn, who is part of the delegation representing Guyana at the Third Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in Geneva, Switzerland.

Presenting at the forum on Thursday, Benn stressed the government’s conviction that the International Decade for People of African Descent has yielded major successes.

She highlighted the significant role the decade has played in raising awareness and strengthening advocacy about the historical and contemporary challenges faced by people of African Descent.

However, the Guyanese representative posited that the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also requires global recognition of the overarching objectives of eradicating poverty, ensuring food security, protecting the planet, and building a just and peaceful world.

But this cannot be achieved without addressing all forms of injustice and inequality, including those experienced by people of African descent, she remarked.

“Concrete actions have been identified for the Second Decade, and need to be undertaken to address issues such as racism, discrimination, and social injustice faced by African descendants. Commitment to reparative justice must be resolute, honoured, and delivered,” Benn proffered.  

Benn also spoke of Guyana’s commitment to the United Nations Permanent Forum for People of African Descent (PFPAD), the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), and the Bridgetown Initiative.