Celebration of Afro-descendant Day begins in Costa Rica (+ photo) – Prensa Latina

On December 28, 2020, the United Nations General Assembly – with the support of 52 Member States – adopted the resolution promoted by the Teko government declaring August 31 the International Day for People of African Descent, and on the second day established the Permanent Forum for People of African Descent to Combat Systemic Racism.

The First Vice President of Costa Rica indicated that this country is the global headquarters for the celebration of the first International Day for People of African Descent, during which time they will carry out various activities, broadcast live to the rest of the countries. world by flow.

This celebration seeks to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, contribute to the elimination of all forms of discrimination against people of African descent and promote the diversity of heritage and extraordinary contributions of the African diaspora, the information source highlighted.

He noted that this capital and Cahuita – located in the Caribbean region of Limón, where the largest number of Afro-Costa Ricans live – will be the scenes of high-level forums, conferences and artistic and cultural activities, from today until Saturday. .

He noted that the celebration is organized by the Government of Costa Rica with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (Unfpa), the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations Department of Global Communications and the United Nations system. in Costa Rica.

This first international celebration is being held in Costa Rica because it is the country that promotes this celebration, in fulfillment of the commitment made more than 100 years ago at the First Conference of the Black Peoples of the World, when it was proposed to celebrate the celebration, said First Vice President Epsy Campbell.

Campbell, the first Afro-Costa Rican to hold this high position, emphasized that this date reaffirms the commitment to recognition of people of African descent, justice and development.

With this first observance of the International Day for People of African Descent, UNFPA and Costa Rica are calling for action to end inequality and discrimination against these peoples and societies, as the First Vice-President explained.

When there is exclusion, societies cannot claim to be just, equitable or developed. The 2030 Agenda is explicitly committed to leaving no one behind, and in this sense, actions and investments for development must be directed first to those who need them most.

msm / ale