The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) yesterday saluted the United Nations General Assembly’s December 18, 2009 proclamation that this year would be recognized as,NFL Jerseys Wholesale, “International Year for People of African Descent”.“The Commission is pleased to note that the contributions of the people of African Descent is recognized and celebrated internationally and as such congratulates the persons who lobbied the United Nations for such a declaration to be made possible.”According to the commission, the proclamation was made with the view of strengthening national actions and regional and international co-operation for the benefit of people of African descent in relation to their full enjoyment of economic, cultural, social, civil and political rights.“It also seeks to strengthen their participation and integration in all other aspects of society as well as the promotion of greater knowledge of and respect for the diverse heritage and culture of African Descent people.”The agreement reached by the UN General Assembly reaffirms the validity of all statements, agreements and other international instruments related to the development of the Descendents of African heritage.These agreements include the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.Also, the conventions against discrimination of women, for the Rights of the Child and to protect the rights of all migrant workers and their families, among others, are envisaged.It is against that background that the ERC joined in encouraging specialized agencies of the United Nations system, within their respective mandates and existing resources, and civil society to make preparations for and identify possible initiatives that can contribute to the success of the year.“At this time, the Commission congratulates all groups and activists who are promoting the welfare of the people of African Descent in Guyana and encourages them to continue along this path bearing in mind that Guyana is a multi-ethnic society…The ERC urges the Government to pay special attention to the spirit and letter of the year as stated in the United Nations declaration.”The Commission also noted that it would be useful at this time for the policy makers and the members of the National Assembly to review the Report on the perceived needs of the African community in Guyana submitted to the Parliament by the ERC in 2008.On a background note, it was stated that the people of African descent have been victims of racism, structural discrimination and enslavement for centuries.“Their inability to access opportunities in education, health, employment and justice have been a great battle with little effective action and progress. People of African descent are dispersed all over the world due to the large amount of descendants that were transported from Africa by the trans-Atlantic slave trade.This situation provides the most striking example of structural discrimination. Throughout the years,Cheap NHL Adidas Jerseys, there have been many studies to help address the situation of people of African descent, but there has been little implementation of effective action.”There is a great need, according to the ERC, for various concrete special measures that have been identified,Cheap Jerseys Wholesale, with regular measurement of effectiveness and results, and for the governments concerned, to take proactive ownership of the process with the cooperation of the international community.According to the UN, the Year aims at strengthening national actions and regional and international cooperation for the benefit of people of African descent in relation to their full enjoyment of economic, cultural, social,Nike Vapormax Plus Sunset, civil and political rights, their participation and integration in all political, economic,Cheap NFL Jerseys, social and cultural aspects of society, and the promotion of a greater knowledge of and respect for their diverse heritage and culture.“The General Assembly encourages Member States,Jerseys NFL Wholesale, the specialized agencies of the United Nations system, within their respective mandates and existing resources, and civil society to make preparations for and identify possible initiatives that can contribute to the success of the Year.”