Third Committee, 43rd plenary meeting – General Assembly, 79th session

Ms. Carolyn Oppong-Ntiri
Deputy Permanent Representative
CR1, United Nations, New York
November 5th 2024

DURING THE  THIRD COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE 79^TH SESSION OF THE  UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

ELIMINATION OF RACISM, RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, XENOPHOBIA  AND RELATED INTOLERANCE

I thank you for giving me the floor, Madam Chair.

Ghana aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the G77 and China and the African Group and wishes to make these remarks in our national capacity.

Madam Chair,
Despite global efforts, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance remain deeply entrenched. These injustices erode fundamental human rights, undermine democratic values, and threaten our collective vision of a just and inclusive world. Confronting them is not only a legal duty but a profound moral obligation that demands unified resolve.

At the heart of Ghana’s approach is a firm commitment to reparative justice, which is essential for confronting the enduring legacies of slavery, colonialism, and systemic discrimination that entrench socio-economic disparities for people of African descent. Reparations must go beyond financial compensation to include substantial investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, coupled with formal acknowledgments and sincere apologies from former colonial powers. Moreover, Ghana asserts that true reparative justice requires the active involvement of victims of slavery and their descendants in defining reparative measures, ensuring they address community-specific impacts and pave the way for lasting justice and empowerment.

Our commitment is reflected in the Accra Declaration, adopted at the Accra Reparations and Racial Healing Summit in August 2022, and reinforced by Ghana’s hosting of the Accra Reparations conference organized by the AU in November 2023. In strong solidarity with African nations, the diaspora, and global advocates, Ghana views reparative justice not as a symbolic act but as essential for a future where historical wrongs no longer impede progress.

Madam Chair,, while we recognize the progress made through the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), significant gaps remain. Ghana supports ongoing efforts to advance the DDPA, particularly its focus on the unique challenges facing people of African descent. We also strongly advocate for a Second International Decade for People of African Descent to build upon the accomplishments of the first decade and address unresolved issues.

The spread of hate speech and intolerance online has intensified racism and stigmatization, threatening social cohesion. Ghana urges Member States to ratify the International Convention on Countering the Use of ICT for Criminal Purposes once adopted by the General Assembly, to establish standards that hold digital platforms accountable and ensure safe, inclusive online spaces.

Additionally, Ghana recognizes that racism intersects with other forms of intolerance, including religious discrimination, xenophobia, and the stigmatization of migrants and refugees. Such biases erode dignity and social unity. We call for inclusive policies that uphold the dignity of all and gender-sensitive measures to counter discrimination affecting women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

At the national level, Ghana remains committed to combating racism and discrimination, as outlined in our 1992 Constitution. Our institutions, such as the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice and the National Commission for Civic Education, play vital roles in public education and democratic engagement. Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act of 2020 further supports a safe and respectful digital environment.

Finally, Ghana believes eliminating racism requires collaboration among States, the UN, regional bodies, parliaments, civil society, and academia. We urge all Member States to embrace this cooperative spirit and ratify the ICERD to strengthen global unity against intolerance.

In conclusion, Ghana reaffirms its commitment to the Durban Declaration and ICERD and envisions a world free from racism and discrimination. Achieving true equality and justice requires a united response that honors our shared humanity and leaves no one behind.

I thank you.