Ambassador Emmanuel Antwi, the Permanent Representative of the Ghana in Geneva, on Thursday, 4th December 2025 delivered a statement on behalf of the African Group at the High-Level event to Commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).

The High-Level event, held under the theme "Towards a world without racism", aimed at providing opportunity for UN member States and other stakeholders to reflect on how past progress and experiences can inform current and future efforts to address both persistent and emerging challenges, including the legacies of slavery and colonialism, the resurgence of racist hate speech and xenophobic discourse, the adverse impact of new digital technologies, and the consequences of environmental degradation and climate change on communities most exposed to racial discrimination.

In his remarks, Amb. Antwi indicated that the Convention’s 60th anniversary should remind the international community of the need to urgently strengthen implementation and intensify efforts to address racism as the canker continues to rise in many regions, threatening past achievements.

He added that the African Group firmly rejects all forms of racially motivated hatred, discrimination, and violence, while underscoring the importance of universal adherence to and full implementation of the Convention’s obligations. In addition, Amb. Antwi encouraged all States Parties to take concrete steps to uphold ICERD and advance the implementation ofDurban Declaration and Programme of Action.

Finally, he reiterated that ICERD remains a vital framework for assessing national progress and urged non-party States to join collective efforts to eradicate racism in all its forms and manifestations.