Whereas the decade commencing on January 1, 2015, and ending on December 31, 2024, has been designated as the International Decade for People of African Descent with the theme People of African descent: recognition, justice and development ; Whereas the African Diaspora is expansive, spanning across the globe from Latin America and the Caribbean to Asia and Europe, with persons of African descent having had a historical presence and currently residing on every continent; Whereas during the International Decade for People of African Descent governments and civil society across the globe join together with people of African descent to promote respect, protection, and the fulfilment of human rights and fundamental freedoms; Whereas during the International Decade for People of African Descent governments in concert with civil society are to strengthen national, regional and international action and cooperation to facilitate the full and equal participation of people of African descent in society, promote a greater knowledge of and respect for the diverse heritage, culture and contributions of people of African descent to the development of societies, and to strengthen and implement legal frameworks that combat racial discrimination; Whereas during the International Decade for People of African Descent governments are to utilize reliable statistical data to develop and implement in concert with civil society measurable national action plans and other strategies to address racial disparities impacting people of African descent in the justice, wealth, education, employment, health, housing, development, and other sectors