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Fall / Winter 2026 · Volume XXXIX, No. 3,4Critical Issues on Health and Environment

Fall / Winter 2026›Voices

Voices

34th Meeting of the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council

UN Human Rights Council · 30 September 2026

By Aidan Kim3 min read

Delegates who spoke

European Union, Kenya (Africa Group), Jamaica, South Africa, Uruguay, Gambia, Ghana, Benin, Sierra Leone, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, UN Peace, Senegal, Spain, Council of Europe, Kenya, Lebanon, Malawi, Tanzania, Egypt, Ethiopia, Algeria, Iran, Cameroon, China, Cuba, Amnesty International, Tourner la Page, Action Ecologique Francaise, Aikuran International Lawyers, PDS, International Commission of Jurists, Permanent Forum, Sweden, Bahamas, Barbados, UN Population Fund (UNFPA), Guatemala, Palestine, Peru, Ecuador, Togo, Brazil, Iraq, Russia, International Federation for the Protection of the Rights of Ethnic, Religious, Linguistic and Other Minorities, Association Pan-Africaine, Interfaith International, Group of Independent Eminent Experts, Ad Hoc Committee, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Czechia, Venezuela, Uganda, Gulf Cooperation Council, Pakistan, United Kingdom

Meeting summary

The United Nations 34th meeting of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council convened for different states and bodies to discuss solutions with the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent to improve human rights conditions for people of African descent all throughout the world. The most prominent theme was reparatory justice for all African people due to systemic racism in migration, foreign policy, profiling, trafficking, and general xenophobic discrimination. The Chair of the Permanent Forum encompassed most of the ideals presented in all speeches and delivered the longest speech concluding the first hour of the interactive dialogue, particularly for the Forum’s modalities to be improved, reparatory justice against African hate, implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), and a furthering of the United Nation’s calls for the transatlantic slave trade being considered the ‘gravest crime against humanity.’ Following this speech, many delegates demanded for a strengthening of the Permanent Forum and the DDPA, along with advancements in implementing the Second International Decade for People of African Descent (SIDPAD). With the acknowledgement of the UN officially declaring transatlantic slave trade as the ‘gravest crime against humanity’ it was important that delegates supported more legal pathways for migration and citizenship for Africans as general trafficking on top of the transatlantic slave trade added this precedent of Afrophobia in immigration policy. Most stated that legal action must be evidence-based and decolonized to actually solidify the DDPA and SIDPAD. Other delegates such as the Pan-Africaine Association and International Commission of Jurists mentioned recognition for specific events such as the genocide in the Herero and Nama Wars and persecution of African migrants in Tunisia and Libya, respectively. Lastly, islamophobia was cited by Islamic countries like Iraq, Pakistan, and Palestine as a reason for Afrophobia.

Personal insights

  • Clearly, xenophobia should not be tolerated in any state. That was the general consensus and it cannot be more evident, but actions speak louder than words. The general consensus of the meeting was very well-intentioned and the UNHRC and the bodies involved must implement the Durban Declaration and Second International Decade for People of African Descent through evidenced-based procedures that will benefit all Africans. However, with mentions of the lack of action despite recognition for Afrophobia, I inquire whether states will follow up with their promises.
  • The Permanent Forum’s description of the tragedy in George Floyd are especially important in general international action that will decrease systemic racism within policing. Wrongful detention of Africans was mentioned throughout and must be acknowledged and addressed in international law.
  • The UN’s recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as the ‘gravest crime against humanity’ is one of the most important steps in curtailing hatred against people of African descent and will be significant towards further steps in more inclusive migration practice. However, the UN must make additional efforts to acknowledge events such as the genocide in the Herero and Nama Wars, persecution in Tunisia and Libya, and events like the Rwandan Genocide, even if lots of progress has been made (with the recognition of the Rwandan Genocide, specifically).