Ghana Reaffirms Commitment to Fight Racism at UN Durban Declaration Anniversary

Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to the global fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance at a United Nations high-level meeting marking the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

The high-level meeting was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on September 28, 2026, providing member states with an opportunity to reflect on progress made since the adoption of the Durban Declaration in 2001.

In remarks delivered at the session, Ghana highlighted continuing concerns about racism, discrimination and intolerance around the world and called for stronger international efforts to protect human dignity and equality.

The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action was adopted at the 2001 World Conference Against Racism in South Africa and serves as a UN framework for addressing racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

Ghana also highlighted its leadership in the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/250, which was adopted on March 25, 2026.

The resolution declares the trafficking of enslaved Africans and the system of racialised chattel enslavement of Africans to constitute “the gravest crime against humanity.” It was adopted with 123 votes in favour, three against and 52 abstentions.

The resolution has been presented by Ghana and the United Nations as an important step in addressing the historical and continuing consequences of the transatlantic slave trade and racialised enslavement.

Ghana has also linked the resolution to wider discussions on historical accountability, including calls for acknowledgement, apologies, the return of cultural heritage and reparatory measures.

The remarks further expressed Ghana’s support for international mechanisms designed to address crimes against humanity, including the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Ghana’s participation in the Durban anniversary meeting forms part of its broader engagement at the United Nations on issues of racial justice, historical accountability and international cooperation.

The United Nations says the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration provides an opportunity for countries to renew their political commitment to combating racism and to accelerate implementation of the declaration’s objectives.