THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
The closing event of the first UN Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024) took place at the GLS Campus Berlin on Friday, 21 February. The event, which brought together German government officials, scholars, international guests and civil society organisations from the Black community, featured the presentation of the final report of the advisory board set up by the German government to coordinate the implementation of the Decade in Germany.
The advisory board comprised representatives from various federal ministries, Black civil society organizations —including Each One Teach One (EOTO e.V.), the Afro-German Academic Network (ADAN e.V.), Maisha and the Initiative of Black People in Germany (ISD) — as well as academic experts.
A call for continued commitment
The event, moderated by Evein Obulor, began with opening remarks by Dr Elisabeth Kaneza and Prof Maisha Auma, both members of the advisory board. They highlighted the increasing racial violence in Germany, referencing tragic incidents such as the Hanau attack, and stressed the need to fight against racism in the country.
In her opening speech, Lisa Paus, Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, underscored the historical significance of 21 March, which marks the anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960 in South Africa, when apartheid security forces opened fire on defenceless protesters in the town of Sharpeville, killing 69 Black people and injuring more than 180.
The minister sadly pointed out that recent studies show that Black people are most subjected to racism and discrimination in Germany, which imposes on society a duty to fight the evil. “There’s a lot to do to combat racism and discrimination in Germany to ensure that everyone lives in dignity,” Ms Paus said.
The minister said that the Decade’s motto — Recognition, Justice and Development, was a useful guide in how to pursue the objective that Black people are able to live like other population groups without suffering disadvantages on account of their identity. She also warned about the growing influence of the far right, describing it as a wake-up call for democratic forces to unite in defending fundamental values.
Laura Kolland, representing the Federal Commissioner for Migration, Refugees and Integration, spoke about the importance of recognizing racism in daily life to effectively combat it. She expressed concern over the hostile rhetoric about migrants in recent election campaigns, which she said fosters negative attitudes towards Black people and other marginalized groups.
While acknowledging progress, such as greater visibility of racism in political discourse and the appointment of a Federal Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination, Kolland emphasized that much work remains to be done.
Political and Legislative Perspectives
Dr Karamba Diaby, the first Africa-born member of the Bundestag, criticised the culture of campaigning at the expense of people with a migration background, referring to the recent election. He regretted the “painful utterances of some politicians and not only of the AfD”.
Diaby, who was first elected in 2013 and served for three consecutive legislative terms, encouraged the audience when he pointed out that much had changed for the better in Germany for people of African descent.
The Senegalese-born politician said successes had been achieved, pointing out that the Black community in Germany has become more vibrant and better organized, a sign of progress in the struggle for equality.
He called for stronger legislative measures against racism and discrimination, as well as more active promotion of democratic values in society.
Institutional Support for Combating Racism
Ferda Ataman, the Independent Federal Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination, reaffirmed that her office is independent and committed to supporting civil society in its fight against racism.
Ataman said racism against Black people was evident in racial profiling by the police, when looking for housing or a job and in schools. “Black people are disproportionately affected by racism,” she noted.
“While thousands demonstrate against racism, no concrete demands are made of the state,” the commissioner noted. She urged activists to make specific demands from the state to ensure meaningful change. Among her proposals are reforms to the anti-discrimination law and the establishment of more advisory centres for victims of racism.
Need for Structural and Institutional Reforms
Prof Beate Rudolf, Director of the German Institute for Human Rights, called for bold actions to dismantle structural and institutional racism. She emphasized that a truly free society cannot exist as long as racism and discrimination persist.
She further described racism as a continuing legacy of slavery and colonialism, requiring targeted and sustained efforts to address.
Kellie-Shandra Ognimba, representing the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized that the Decade was established to ensure that people of African descent fully enjoy fundamental human rights. She stated that Black communities continue to face systemic discrimination globally and that addressing this injustice must remain a priority for governments and civil societies worldwide.
The Advisory Board’s Final Report
The closing report, presented by Dr Elisabeth Kaneza, Prof Maisha Auma and Ms Virginia Greiner, outlined the advisory board’s work in advancing the Decade’s objectives in Germany. The board conducted expert discussions and events, focusing on critical issues affecting Black people in Germany, including:
- Education disparities
- Housing and employment discrimination
- Institutional racism
Through its engagement with politicians, academics, administrators and civil society, the advisory board helped bring anti-Black racism into greater public and political focus.
The advisory board made several key recommendations, including:
- Recognition of anti-Black racism as a specific form of discrimination.
- Creation of a federal office dedicated to Black issues, including the appointment of a commissioner for anti-Black racism.
- Long-term, sustainable funding for Black organisations to empower communities and strengthen advocacy efforts.
- Implementation of the Second UN Decade for People of African Descent (2025-2034) to build on the progress made and establish lasting structures for dismantling racism.
- Increased participation of Black people in all levels of society and government, ensuring greater representation and influence in decision-making.
Conclusion
The event underscored both the progress made and the persistent challenges in tackling anti-Black racism in Germany. While initiatives such as the UN Decade and the establishment of a Federal Commissioner for Anti-Racism reflect positive steps forward, the structural inequalities faced by Black communities remain deep-rooted.
The advisory board’s recommendations provide a clear roadmap for how Germany can continue addressing racial injustices, ensuring that the fight against anti-Black racism does not end with the conclusion of the first Decade but remains a permanent and integral part of the country’s social and political agenda.
Femi Awoniyi
