# UN observance of International Day for People of African Des > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/un-observance-of-international-day-for-people-of-african-des > Updated: 2026-08-31T16:05:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. The United Nations observed the International Day for People of African Descent under the theme ‘Expanding the human rights of people of African descent’. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the organization’s commitment to dismantling systemic racism and removing barriers to the rights and potential of these communities. He warned that progress is being reversed by false narratives that minimize lived realities and erase history. UN rights chief Volker Türk noted a growing backlash against efforts to address racial discrimination in certain regions, stating that racism “corrodes our social fabric.” Additionally, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination highlighted how the legacy of chattel slavery and “centuries of stolen labour” continue to drive modern disparities in health, education, and economic opportunity, underscoring the need for comprehensive reparations. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-31: United Nations marks International Day for People of African Descent UN officials marked the International Day for People of African Descent by calling for the dismantling of systemic racism and addressing the enduring economic and social impacts of historical injustices. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-nations-marks-international-day-for-people-of-african-descent-1 ### 2026-08-29: United Nations marks International Day for People of African Descent The United Nations observes the International Day for People of African Descent, focusing on expanding human rights and dismantling systemic racism and the legacies of colonialism. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-nations-marks-international-day-for-people-of-african-descent --- Cite as: UN observance of International Day for People of African Des. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/un-observance-of-international-day-for-people-of-african-des