; Whereas these efforts also include the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s (PA) adoption of Resolutions: A Call for OSCE Action to Address Violence and Discrimination in 2016, Addressing Racism and Xenophobia Affecting People of African Descent in the OSCE Region in 2012, and Strengthening Efforts to Combat Racism and Xenophobia and Foster Inclusion in 2011 that included recognition of the International Year for People of African Descent, and calling for the OSCE to implement several strategic initiatives to address racial and ethnic discrimination in the OSCE region; Whereas, in 2011, OSCE/ODIHR held its first Roundtable on the contemporary forms of racism and xenophobia affecting Peoples of African Descent in the OSCE region , and has since annually hosted antidiscrimination initiatives focused on People of African Descent including focused on hate crimes, women, political participation, strengthening civil society, and other issues; Whereas these efforts also include transatlantic meetings of Black and other diverse legislators held annually at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, and in the United States Congress in Washington, DC, including the April 17–19, 2009, Black European Summit: Transatlantic Dialogue on Political Participation and adoption of the Brussels Declaration on political participation; and subsequent Transatlantic Minority Political Leadership Conferences ; Whereas, as part of the March 24, 2011, Transatlantic Minority Political Leadership Conference (TMPLC), legislators and minority leaders from North America and Europe held a Parliamentary Forum at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, to discuss a Joint Action Plan on Racial and Ethnic Equality and Inclusion between the European Union and United States