St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN)—The Secretary General of the Organisation of American States, Ambassador Albert Ramdin, has joined countries across the hemisphere in recognising the contributions of people of African descent and the impact they continue to have on societies throughout the Americas.
Speaking at the OAS headquarters on Wednesday, Ramdin highlighted both the achievements and ongoing challenges facing people of African descent across the region and the wider world.
“I wish to recognise, to begin with, always, the enduring contributions of the people of African descent to the life of our hemisphere in many ways. Across the Americas, these contributions are reflected in our cultural expression, which we have witnessed yesterday in every single country it happens, and in the very information formation of all societies and institutions. Afro-descendants have contributed to our societies in so many ways, and it is time to recognise that in a very forceful manner. From the development of our economies to the shaping of our democratic life, Afro-descendant communities have contributed knowledge, labour, under difficult circumstances, extremely difficult circumstances, creativity, and leadership that continues to influence the way our societies function and evolve in today’s world.
“Their contributions are also present, Mr Chairman, in less visible but equally important ways. In community organisations, in the preservation of cultural memory, in systems of solidarity, and in forms of knowledge that have sustained communities across generations. These contributions are essential to addressing the challenges of the present, including social cohesion, environmental sustainability, inclusive development, and peace.”
The OAS is this week observing activities aimed at recognising the contributions of Afro-descendants, while also bringing attention to the social and economic challenges many still face, including inequality, discrimination, and limited access to opportunities in some countries.
“At the same time, this commemoration reminds us of a persistent reality. Many persons, peoples, and communities of African descent continue to face structural inequalities, exclusion, and discrimination rooted in the historical legacy of slavery and its lasting effects, but also now, in a very silent way, embedded in rules and regulations and in legislation. The theme of this year’s commemoration, Equality That Inspires, Freedom That Transforms, and a Hemisphere That Leads, offers a useful framework for reflection. And let’s do exactly that, as a hemisphere, to lead this, to be an example to the whole world. Equality that inspires requires more than formal commitments.
“It requires sustained effort to ensure effective access to rights, opportunities, and institutions, supported by public policies that address structural inequalities and by institutions that operate in an inclusive and responsive manner. Freedom That Transforms reminds us that rights must translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives, through access to justice, education, health, and economic opportunity, as well as full participation in public life without discrimination. A Hemisphere That Leads calls on us to act collectively and actively. Leadership in our region is not defined only by the adoption of standards, but by our capacity to implement, to enforce them effectively, and to deliver results for our people.”
Ramdin noted that despite progress in some areas, many people of African descent continue to be marginalised across the hemisphere, and he stressed the importance of continued action and inclusive investments in communities.
“In this context, Afro Descendants Week itself carries particular significance. It is a moment of recognition and also a space for accountability, and I would like to stress the word accountability. It allows us to take stock of progress, to identify gaps, and to renew dialogue between institutions and the communities they serve, and to close that gap. It also provides an opportunity to bring feasibility to the issues that often remain in the margins of public debate. This space is especially important in a region as diverse as ours, where experiences of Afro-descendant communities vary across countries, but share common structural challenges.
“By placing these issues at the centre of the hemispheric agenda, this week contributes to a more inclusive and informed policy discussion, and, again, with the aim to take concrete decisions. In this regard, work is underway in the Inter-American system, including ongoing discussions toward an Inter-American Declaration, which reflects an important step forward. However, the effectiveness of these efforts will ultimately depend on their translation into concrete and sustained action. This requires continued attention to key priorities, strengthening access to justice, addressing discrimination in all its forms, also those silently embedded in legislation in many cases, expanding participation and representation, and reinforcing institutions capable of recognising the intersectional nature of these challenges, particularly for women and youth, and ensuring that responses are inclusive and responsive to those realities, while acknowledging the continued contributions of Afro Descendant communities to environmental protection, cultural heritage, and knowledge systems that are central to sustainable development and climate resilience.”
The Secretary-General was speaking during a meeting of the OAS Permanent Council here in Washington, D.C.
