New York:Angola has reaffirmed its commitment to the full, effective, and non-selective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action during a High-Level Meeting at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, marking the 25th anniversary of the framework's adoption.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Ambassador Ana Maria de Oliveira, Angola's Permanent Representative to the UN Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, stated that the anniversary offers an opportunity to recognize progress while renewing global pledges to eradicate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance.
The Durban Declaration, adopted in South Africa in 2001, remains a critical international reference point for addressing the enduring legacy of slavery, the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, and colonialism. However, Oliveira warned of a recent resurgence in racial intolerance and discrimination, which poses a direct threat to global progress.
The ambassador highlighted the General Assembly's adoption of Resolution A/RES/80/250 on March 25, 2026, which officially recognizes the transatlantic slave trade and enslavement of Africans as the most serious crimes against humanity. She called for greater institutional accountability and measures toward reparative justice in light of this resolution.
Connecting the global mandate to Angola's national history, Oliveira noted that the country's struggle against colonial rule was deeply tied to ideals of freedom, self-determination, human dignity, and equality. She advocated for continued global dialogue on redressing historical grievances and fostering international reconciliation.
Addressing global governance, Oliveira pointed to imbalances in international economic relations, arguing that contemporary financial, commercial, and trade structures still reflect systemic historical inequities. She expressed support for UN mechanisms to combat racial discrimination and called for adequate funding for the Second International Decade for People of African Descent.
She announced that Angola is drafting its Initial Report under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD). Concluding her address, Oliveira emphasized the need for strong leadership, civic participation, equal access to justice, and robust accountability systems to overcome systemic racism. She urged international investment in education and proactive measures to combat stereotypes and hate speech.
