Guyana, Caricom press global action on reparations, equity at UN Forum

…2nd Decade for People of African Descent must deliver measurable progress – Jacobs

Guyana and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have reaffirmed their commitment to reparatory justice, sustainable development and economic equity for people of African descent during the Fifth Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. Speaking at the forum on Tuesday, Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Vanessa Benn, said Guyana remains committed to international frameworks aimed at eliminating racial discrimination, including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Benn told delegates that the Government of Guyana continues to condemn human rights violations affecting people of African descent and called for stronger protections against systemic racism, exclusion, and inequality. She also welcomed the United Nations’ (UN) recognition of slavery as a crime against humanity, noting that such acknowledgement was long overdue. The Minister highlighted global challenges, including conflict, supply chain disruptions and climate change, which she said continue to exacerbate poverty and socioeconomic insecurity. She also raised concerns about the treatment of migrants of African descent, urging greater international support and more responsive action from UN bodies.

At the national level, Benn outlined Guyana’s development approach, which she described as pro-poor and inclusive. She said efforts to expand access to housing and water, along with investments in agriculture, form part of the country’s “One Guyana” initiative aimed at improving living standards across all communities.
According to Benn, 47.1 per cent of beneficiaries of more than 51,000 house lots allocated over the past five years were persons of African descent. She added that Government programmes are also targeting rural and ancestral villages to increase economic opportunities and strengthen community resilience.

Accountability, development
Meanwhile, Minister within the Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry, Steven Jacobs, delivered a statement on behalf of CARICOM member states. Jacobs said the region’s push for reparatory justice is grounded in the historical impact of slavery and colonialism, which continue to influence present-day economic and social conditions. He referenced the CARICOM Ten-Point Plan for Reparatory Justice as a framework for addressing these issues through accountability and development.
He also welcomed growing international momentum on the issue, including initiatives such as the Accra Proclamation and strengthened collaboration between African and Caribbean states. Jacobs noted that the legacy of enslavement remains embedded in global systems, contributing to economic imbalances and limiting development opportunities, particularly for small island developing states. He added that climate change further compounds these challenges.
He called for a coordinated approach that integrates reparatory justice with reforms to the international financial system and equitable climate action. According to Jacobs, the Second International Decade for People of African Descent must deliver measurable progress. CARICOM, he said, remains committed to working with the Permanent Forum and international partners to ensure that development outcomes for people of African descent are shaped through inclusive and equitable processes.