MRG launches new online resource to mark International Decade for People of African Descent
‘We believe that in our current society, in the twenty-first century, it is time to get rid of racial stereotypes’ Jerry Afriyie, Nederland Wordt Beter
Afro-descendants: A Global Picture is a new online resource, launched today by Minority Rights Group International (MRG), to highlight the marginalized histories, current challenges and future prospects of these communities in diverse countries around the world.
The website is timed to coincide with the International Decade for People of African Descent, officially launched by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, which aims to strengthen their situation, whilst paying special attention to the themes of recognition, justice and development.
‘It is important to see the African Diaspora in terms of the contribution made throughout the world to the economic, political and social development of a new global society. Afro-descendants have made their homes on every continent, and while there are still challenges to be overcome, the promise is that societies will flourish from their contributions,’ says Gay J. McDougall, who heads MRG’s International Council, and will be speaking today in New York at Confronting the Silence – Perspectives and Dialogue on Structural Racism against People of African Descent Worldwide, an event which forms part of the programme of events the UN is organising to mark the Decade.
Drawing on a range of case studies, Afro-descendants: The Global Picture seeks to draw attention to the invisibility and discrimination that persist for people of African descent to this day, as well as celebrating their achievements as activists, artists and citizens.
As well as showcasing research from the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, the new MRG website features a striking photo story about the little known, but relatively numerous, Siddi community of Karnataka, India and a documentary about embattled Afro-Colombian ancestral gold miners pitted against their government and multinational companies.
For more information about MRG’s work in support of Afro-descendants, contact:
Emma Eastwood, Senior Media Officer, Minority Rights Group International (London)
E: [email protected]
T: +44 2074224205
M: +44 7989699984
@MinorityRights