The United Nations declared 2011 the International Year for people of African descent. Around 200 million people who identify themselves as being of African descent live in the Americas. Many millions more live in other parts of the world, outside of the African continent. In proclaiming this International Year, the international community is recognising that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected. The UN has urged countries to do their utmost to ensure that people of African descent have the opportunity to fully enjoy their economic, cultural, social and political rights. The Centre against Racism (CMR) has urged the Government to fund the dissemination of knowledge and education of Afrophobia in Sweden in consultation with the African communities to implement measures that meet the UN demands and prevent and encounter Afrophobic harassment and discrimination.


Source: http://www.un.org/en/events/iypad2011/