Africa-Press – Angola. Angola joined the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action on Tuesday. This event is considered a historical milestone in the international community’s response to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance, particularly as they affect people of African descent.
The statement was made during a high-level panel held during the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council from February 23 to 25 at the Palace of Nations in Geneva.
During the event, Secretary of State for Human Rights and Citizenship Antonia da Cruz Yaba stated that Angola’s fight against racism and racial discrimination is deeply rooted in its history as an independent nation.
Antonia Yaba reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the principles of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action and emphasized the international community’s moral obligation to address the historical legacies of slavery, colonialism, and systemic racism.
The official stressed the importance of dialogue regarding appropriate and effective measures to address historical injustices, which are essential for promoting justice, reconciliation, and equality among peoples.
She also argued that the financial sustainability of the United Nations system, including mechanisms dedicated to combating racism, is indispensable for preventing setbacks and ensuring concrete results.
The official reaffirmed Angola’s commitment to the full, effective, and non-selective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action, taking into account that combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance requires collective responsibility, political will, international cooperation, and concrete actions.
