The 2026 International Day for People of African Descent is being observed under the theme “Expanding the Human Rights of People of African Descent” within the framework of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034).
Building on the achievements of the first International Decade, the observance reaffirms the commitment to Recognition, Justice and Development while accelerating action to address persistent inequalities, systemic racism, and the lasting impacts of racialized chattel enslavement and colonialism. It also provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among the United Nations, Member States, civil society, and people of African descent to advance the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide.
The 2026 observance seeks to expand the human rights of people of African descent through stronger legal, policy, and institutional measures to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. It also underscores the importance of ensuring the full enjoyment of economic, social, cultural, civil, and political rights, while advancing equal access to education, employment, healthcare, housing, and economic opportunities. These priorities reflect the objectives of the Second International Decade and build on efforts to increase visibility, awareness, and respect for people of African descent and their contributions to society.
This year’s discussions examine reparatory justice through the return of cultural artefacts, the human rights situation of youth of African descent, and the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action as an opportunity to reflect on turning existing human rights commitments into concrete action. Guided by the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, these discussions will reinforce international efforts to address the enduring consequences of racism, racial discrimination, the transatlantic slave trade, racialized chattel slavery, and colonialism through sustained cooperation and concrete action.
