Fifth session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent

Panel #3: Youth of African descent: Rights-holders and agents of change

The panel will take place on Thursday 16 April from 10:00 to 13:00.

Youth of African descent face systemic and structural inequalities across social, economic, educational, and political spheres. Within education systems, youth of African descent are more likely to encounter exclusionary curricula, discriminatory disciplinary practices, and limited access to quality learning environments, undermining educational outcomes and pathways to decent work. Economic insecurity, including high levels of unemployment and informal work, further constrains opportunities for autonomy, wealth creation, and social mobility. Discriminatory policing practices, racial profiling, and unequal treatment by law enforcement and in criminal justice systems heighten exposure to violence, arbitrary detention, and criminalization. Barriers to political participation, compounded by experiences of racialized violence, harassment, and mistrust of public institutions further restrict the ability of youth of African descent to engage meaningfully in decision-making processes.

At the same time, contemporary dynamics, including digitalization and emerging technologies, are reshaping the experiences of youth of African descent, introducing new forms of exclusion while also creating opportunities for mobilization, leadership, and innovation. The discussion will highlight youth leadership, participation, and innovation in advancing human rights, and explore how States and institutions can meaningfully engage and empower youth as partners in shaping policies under the Second International Decade for People of African Descent.

PFPAD5 Concept note (English | Français | Español | Português)

Panel #4: The Permanent Forum at five: Mandate, Achievements and Opportunities 

The panel will take place on Thursday 16 April from 15:00 to 18:00.

The Permanent Forum on People of African Descent was established as a consultative mechanism to serve as a platform for dialogue and expert advice on issues affecting people of African descent. Since its operationalization in 2021, the Permanent Forum has become the largest platform within the UN system bringing together diverse stakeholders to discuss the human rights concerns of people of African descent.

Over its five years of existence, the Permanent Forum has addressed approximately 20 priority themes across its annual sessions, including reparatory and climate justice, equality and non-discrimination, systemic racism and data collection, health and intergenerational trauma, sustainable development, economic justice, education and culture, the human rights of women and youth of African descent, AI and digital justice, the human rights situation in Haiti, the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, and the draft UN Declaration on the respect, protection and fulfilment of the human rights of people of African descent. Engaging more than 3,500 participants across its sessions, the Permanent Forum has issued over 140 recommendations, while amplifying the voices of people of African descent, contributing to international norm-setting processes, raising global awareness, advising States and stakeholders on policy, and fostering coordinated international action towards racial justice.

Amid a global context marked by increasing racism against people of African descent and renewed challenges to policies that ensure racial justice, the work of the Permanent Forum is more relevant than ever. In this regard, this panel will assess the Permanent Forum’s contribution to advancing the human rights of people of African descent, examine the uptake of its recommendations, and explore how to further the implementation of its mandate and impact. It will also consider the Permanent Forum’s role with regard to the Second International Decade for People of African Descent and the drafting of a UN Declaration on the respect, protection and fulfilment of the human rights of people of African descent.

PFPAD5 Concept note (English | Français | Español | Português)