Durban +20 Sketches
Marking the landmark Declaration Anniversary, UN News shines a light on heroes working to reimagine equality and build a world beyond racism: the son of a Detroit barber who won the Nobel Peace Prize; an artist using her craft to push back against anti-Asian hate; and a lawyer who made history as Brazil’s first indigenous congresswoman.
Ralph Bunche, a hero for justice
“This was one of my early experiences with the more subtle aspects of racial attitude,” says African-American hero and United Nations legend Ralph Bunche, recalling a time his grandmother spoke out against racism he faced.
A strong ally of Martin Luther King, Jr., Bunche was the first African-American to win the Nobel Peace Prize and Dr. King the second. Beyond accolades, their legacy of solidarity endures.
Listen to former US Ambassador to the UN, Andrew Young, looking back on Ralph Bunche's life in this audio recording
Ralph Bunche, a man of peace
From one anti-racism trailblazer to another, UN News looks back with Andrew Young at Ralph Bunche’s record of lasting historical achievement.
As Young recounts his memories of Bunche, he explains why his influence continues to be felt, at the UN and in the broader fight against racism.
Like trailblazers Ralph Bunche and Andrew Young, whose own experiences were instrumental in their journeys to become beacons of justice for others, Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, the daughter of Thai and Indonesian immigrants, created a public art campaign to help tackle anti-Asian bias and discrimination, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.
Public art against anti-Asian discrimination
In a response aimed at tackling the grim trend of anti-Asian bias, Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya created the imaginative series “I Still Believe in Our City”, an art collection that celebrates the strength, resilience and hope of New York City communities.
Read about her inspirational story behind the series “I Still Believe in This City” and how it lifts us up as guardians, keeping us safe, encouraging us to stand up for our rights.
An illustration of resilience and hope, in the face of anti-Asian hate
In an interview with UN News, Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya says that the people portrayed represent “resilient, hopeful guardians, in the face of these horrible attacks against our community.”
Read about her inspiration part of the series “I Still Believe in This City” and how it lifts us up as guardians, keeping us safe, encouraging us to stand up for our rights.
While Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya’s work shows the power of public art to confront racism and hate, Joenia Wapichana uses her law degree to fight for the rights of indigenous people in Brazil. She made history by becoming Brazil’s first native woman voted to Congress.
Joenia Wapichana, pioneer of the struggle for the rights of indigenous peoples
Joenia Wapichana has been a trailblazer as an indigenous leader in Brazil since the 1990s, advocating for indigenous communities living in the Amazon.
She hopes the participants in this 20th anniversary high-level event will discuss the inclusion of indigenous peoples in the public policy debate, calling it essential to include the needs of different groups in our fight for education, against discrimination as well as the demarcation of indigenous lands.
Standing tall against discrimination of indigenous peoples
Ahead of the Durban anniversary, UN News reached out to Brazilian congresswoman Joenia Wapichana, pictured here with the winners of the prestigious UN Prize in the Field of Human Rights in 2018.
Throughout the interview, Wapichana articulates how indigenous communities have faced discrimination and are finally making headway fighting for their collective rights, taking her fight to Brazil’s national legislature.
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Durban+20: The fight for racial equality, past and future
Reparations, racial justice and equality for people of African descent are on the agenda as leaders meet two decades after the adoption of the landmark Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA). This high-level event is seen through the eyes of those who inspired it, carried it forward and today lead the fight for racial justice.
High-Level Meeting
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), the UN General Assembly is holding a high-level meeting, at the level of Heads of States and Governments, on 22nd September 2021, second day of the GA-76th general debate at the General Assembly Hall, United Nations headquarters, New York. The theme of this meeting is “Reparations, racial justice and equality for people of African descent“.
#FIGHTracism
Every day, each and every one of us can stand up against racial prejudice and intolerant attitudes.
Let’s build a world beyond racism and discrimination, where we all exercise our human rights.
Be a human rights champion! Join us in fighting racism!
High-Level Meeting
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), the UN General Assembly is holding a high-level meeting, at the level of Heads of States and Governments, on 22nd September 2021, second day of the GA-76th general debate at the General Assembly Hall, United Nations headquarters, New York. The theme of this meeting is “Reparations, racial justice and equality for people of African descent“.
#FIGHTracism
Every day, each and every one of us can stand up against racial prejudice and intolerant attitudes.
Let’s build a world beyond racism and discrimination, where we all exercise our human rights.
Be a human rights champion! Join us in fighting racism!