III 

114TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION S. CON. RES. 5 

Supporting the goals and ideals of the International Decade for People of 

African Descent. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

FEBRUARY 24, 2015 

Mr. CARDIN submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred 

to the Committee on Foreign Relations 

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 

Supporting the goals and ideals of the International Decade 

for People of African Descent. 

Whereas, in recognition of the African Diaspora, on December 23, 2013, the United Nations General Assembly 

adopted Resolution 68/237, designating the decade commencing on January 1, 2015, and ending on December 

31, 2024, as the ‘‘International Decade for People of African Descent’’, with the theme ‘‘People of African descent: recognition, justice and development’’; 

Whereas the African Diaspora is expansive, spanning across 

the globe from the Americas and the Caribbean to Asia 

and Europe, with persons of African descent having had 

a historical presence and currently residing on every continent; 


smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with BILLS
2 

•SCON 5 IS 

Whereas the historical bonds and shared experiences that tie 

the African continent with the world must be recalled; 

Whereas the global contributions of people of African descent 

must be recognized as a means of preserving that heritage; 

Whereas the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, done at Helsinki August 1, 1975, 

states that ‘‘participating States will respect human 

rights and fundamental freedoms . . . for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion’’; 

Whereas the Organization for Security and Cooperation in 

Europe, Organization of American States, and other 

international organizations have undertaken efforts to address the human rights situation of people of African descent; 

Whereas, on December 10, 2014, United States Permanent 

Representative to the United Nations Samantha Power 

stated, ‘‘The United States comes to the International 

Decade for People of African Descent with a full and robust commitment to ensuring the rights of persons of African descent, and to combating racism and discrimination against them.’’; and 

Whereas a central goal of the International Decade for People of African Descent is to strengthen national actions 

and regional and international cooperation for the benefit 

of people of African descent in relation to the full enjoyment of economic, cultural, social, civil, and political 

rights for people of African descent; the participation and 

integration of people of African descent in all political, 

economic, social, and cultural aspects of society; and the 

promotion of greater knowledge of, and respect for, the 


smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with BILLS
3 

•SCON 5 IS 

diverse heritage and culture of people of African descent: 

Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 

2 concurring), That Congress— 

3 (1) supports the goals and ideals of the ‘‘Inter4 national Decade for People of African Descent’’; 

5 (2) encourages the recognition and celebration 

6 of the collective history and achievements made by 

7 people of African descent; 

8 (3) reaffirms the importance of inclusion and 

9 the full and equal participation of people of African 

10 descent around the world in all aspects of political, 

11 economic, social, and cultural life; 

12 (4) recognizes bilateral and multilateral efforts 

13 to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule 

14 of law, including those efforts that target the eradi15 cation of poverty, hunger, and inequality; and 

16 (5) reaffirms the commitment of Congress to 

17 address racism, discrimination, and intolerance in 

18 the United States and around the globe. 

Æ 


smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with BILLS