The United Nations Permanent Forum of People of African Descent (PFPAD) held its
second annual session from 30 May – 2 June 2023 at the United Nations Headquarters
in New York City. Its overarching theme was “Realizing the Dream: A UN
Declaration on the promotion, protection and full respect of the human rights of
people of African descent.” In addition to the opening of the second session and the
general debate, five thematic discussions were held, including: Global Reparatory
Justice; Pan-Africanism for Dignity, Justice, and Peace; Transnational Migration;
Recognizing and Addressing Systemic and Structural Racism—A Data-Driven and
Evidence-Based Approach; and Health, Well-Being, and Intergenerational Trauma. The
event was attended by Member States, United Nations entities and approximately 900
civil society representatives from more than 85countries, and other stakeholders from
across the world participating in person and online. In addition, more than 60 side events
were held. The Permanent Forum expresses its appreciation to all participants, their
contributions to the conversations, conclusions and recommendations.The Permanent Forum extends its thanks to all the high-level dignitaries who
participated in the session: H.E. Mr. Csaba Kőrösi, President of the General Assembly;
H.E. António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations; H.E. Ilze Brands
Kehris, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights; H.E. Mr. Václav Bálek,
President of the Human Rights Council; H.E. Volker Türk, United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights; H.E. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of the
United Nations Population Fund; H.E. Mr. Lula da Silva, President of Brazil; H.E.
Francia Marquez, Vice President of Colombia; H.E. Ms. Anielle Franco, Minister of
Racial Equality of Brazil; H.E. Dr. Silvio Almeida, Minister of Human Rights and
Citizenship of Brazil; H.E. Mr. Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and
Inclusion, Canada; H.E. Ms. Oneidge Waldrond, M.P., Minister of Tourism, Industry
and Commerce, Guyana; H.E. Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM
Affairs, Trinidad and Tobago; H.E. Mr. Michael Stanley Regan, Administrator of the

United States of America Environmental Protection Agency; Honourable Sheila
Jackson Lee, Congresswoman at the United States of America House of
Representatives; and Ms. Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and
Human Sciences at UNESCO.

The following conclusions and recommendations are preliminary in nature. Together
with the proceedings of the first session, they will form the basis of a combined report
to the 54th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, the 78th Session of the UN
General Assembly, and will also be shared with civil society and other relevant
stakeholders across the world