Brazil CDWD leaders celebrates landmark resolution passed in Africa
In a historic moment for global human rights, Latin American leaders have lauded the adoption of a groundbreaking resolution aimed at protecting and promoting the rights of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) in Africa. The resolution, which signifies an essential step in advocating for dignity and justice, was passed by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) during its 81st Public Ordinary Session in Banjul, The Gambia, held from October 17 to November 6, 2024.
This achievement has drawn attention and support from leaders who have long championed the fight for the rights of marginalized communities. Among them is the Mayor of Kalunga, who expressed deep satisfaction with this milestone. “..Our community is going to be even more respected now. The resolution is a tool that has been approved which we need a lot so that we can give continuity to our fight,” said the mayor. He underscored the importance of visibility and respect for traditional communities, adding, “For me, this approval of the resolution is very important. It is very important that Africa and Brazil fight to serve a larger goal, thinking about our future. As a Calunga-Quilombola mayor, I will join this fight to strengthen ourselves so that we can move the barriers and our people are seen and respected all over the world.”
The resolution has been recognized as a significant victory not just for African nations but for global movements advocating for the rights of CDWD. This sentiment was echoed by Vercilene, a Quilombola leader and representative of CONAQ, who applauded the combined efforts that led to this achievement. “Hello, I am here today to congratulate the work of the Global Forum of Discrimination together with the African Commission on Human Rights on the approval of the resolution on the rights of CDWD in Africa,” she said. Vercilene emphasized the resolution's importance beyond the African context: “This is an important resolution not only in the regional context of Africa but also for the global context because it is going to strengthen the fight of the Global Forum.”
Paul Divakar Namala, a prominent human rights advocate and convenor of the Global Forum of Discrimination (GFoD), extended his gratitude to influential figures for their support. “We thank the Mayor of Kalunga, the vice Mayor of Kalunga and Vercilene, for their support for the resolution at the UN,” he said. Recognizing the pivotal role played by key members, he added, “Today, I would like to congratulate the members of the African Commission and the GFoD network, especially Queen Bisseng, for passing a historic resolution on the rights of CDWD.”
Mr.Divakar also expressed optimism for future progress and collaboration. “I would like to thank the mayor for his support and hopefully next year he will also voice his support for the Brazilian government to lead this at the UN,” he stated.
The resolution is seen as a beacon of hope for marginalized communities that have long faced systemic discrimination and exclusion. Its passing underscores the commitment of African leaders and the broader international community to address and combat discrimination based on work and descent. With leaders like the Kalunga mayor and advocates such as Vercilene and Paul Divakar at the forefront, there is renewed hope that the movement for CDWD rights will gain greater momentum globally.
This landmark achievement not only marks progress in Africa but serves as an inspiration to other regions facing similar struggles. As calls for justice and equal treatment echo across continents, the resolution passed by the ACHPR stands as a powerful testament to unity and collective action in the pursuit of human dignity.
Also Read: 81st Ordinary Session of the ACHPR: Public Statement by Alima Taal