Vulnerable Groups
who are they?
People of African Descent, the descendants of the victims of the transatlantic slave trade or more recent migrants, frequently face racial discrimination and prejudice.
Discriminatory structures and institutions, legacies of the injustices of enslavement and colonialism result in people of African descent being among the poorest and most marginalized groups in society who also face alarmingly high rates of police violence, and racial profiling.
In addition to People of African Descent and the descendants of the victims of the transatlantic slave trade, racism directly impacts the lives of many other communities and groups, including:
Victims of racial discrimination can also suffer from multiple, aggravated, compounded or intersecting forms of discrimination based on other related grounds, such as age, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, social origin, property, disability, birth, or other status.
Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia subject members of these religious communities to discrimination and violent movements based on racism and discriminatory ideas.
Women and girls face additional discrimination based on their gender, making them extra vulnerable.
Human Rights
Hear the voices of people as they recite some of the articles from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in their native language.
In-depth reading
Spotlight
Unveiling ceremony of Nelson Mandela Statue, a gift from the Republic of South Africa © UN Photo/Cia Pak
Nelson Mandela — A legacy of humility and service
As societies are becoming more polarized with hate speech on the rise, Nelson Mandela’s calls for solidarity and an end to racism are particularly relevant today. The pandemic too has further exposed our vital need for solidarity. The UN Secretary General António Guterres asks we honour Madiba’s call to action and be empowered by his legacy.
In-depth reading
Observances
The Secret History of The Underground Railroad | Global Lens
During the 19th century, Niagara Falls was one of the last stops on the Underground Railroad. This episode of Global Lens examines the pivotal role of the Underground Railroad in establishing African American resistance, and celebrates the courage of those who risked their lives to help others escape, including the legendary Harriet Tubman.
Philonise Floyd - Equal Justice for all
One year after the murder of George Floyd, his brother Philonise Floyd, calls for justice for all victims of human rights violations by the police.
Living with the legacy of Slavery in Senegal – Ina Makosi
“We learn slavery at school. We know what happened, so we don't forget, we own it”, reflects Ina Makosi, a Senegalese photographer who researches the impact of the slave trade in Africa on today’s urban culture and youth.
Racism leads to "vaccine apartheid" - UN Human Rights Expert
Ms. E. Tendayi Achiume, UN's Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, spoke on racism and xenophobia during the pandemic and the role of youth for social change.
Brazil: The Story of Slavery
More than 4 million slaves were shipped to Brazil from the coast of Africa during the 16th century and onward. But the practice of slavery was abolished in 1888.
Michael McEchrane - The Brutal impacts of Systemic racism
Systemic racism strips off our human dignity and right, says Michael McEchrane, a founder member of European Network of People of African Descent. He defines systemic racism as, "inequities among groups and societies."
A Revealing Look at our Past
The Slavery Remembrance Exhibition from Amsterdam’s renowned Rijksmuseum is on display at UN Headquarters, NY. Opened in February 2023, “Slavery: Ten True Stories of Dutch Colonial Slavery” is a joint initiative from the UN's Outreach Programme on the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Slavery and the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UN, in partnership with the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s national museum of art and history.
Select articles
Apartheid - A Crime Against Humanity ©UN Photo (1985)
Mourners carrying coffins of those who were killed by the South African police on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, at Langa Township in Uitenhage. The day is commemorated each year as the anniversary of the 21 March 1960 Sharpeville massacre. Uitenhage, South Africa.
Racism
Police violence
UN Free & Equal: #YouthLead us toward a fearless future
Together, young people are standing up and fighting for a world free of poverty, racism, sexism, ableism and all forms of violence, inequality and discrimination.
I Still Believe in NYC
Cases of discrimination, especially against Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) New Yorkers, have increased during the COVID-19 crisis. In an effort to tackle anti-Asian bias and discrimination, the NYC Commission on Human Rights launched a pubic art campaign. (Produced in partnership with NYC Commission on Human Rights and Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights)
See us, hear us, count us in: voices from the Decade for People of African Descent
Midterm review of the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent (2014-2025), which advocates for justice, recognition and development to ensure people of African descent can exercise their full human rights.