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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
INTRODUCTION OF THE AFRICAN DESCENT AFFAIRS ACT
______
HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS
of florida
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the African
Descent Affairs Act. As we continue to highlight the International
Decade for People of African Descent, we have seen a sharp increase in
racism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia, homophobia and other forms of
discrimination across the globe.
Human rights violations emanating from racial prejudice and
discrimination have negatively impacted people of African descent
around the world, resulting in racial bias and disparities in
education, employment, health, housing, justice, and other sectors.
We must act now to reverse these disturbing trends. The International
Decade for People of African Descent provides an opportunity to not
only draw attention to these inequities, but to also join efforts with
countries around the globe to develop and implement national strategies
honoring the vast contributions of people of African descent and to
combat continuing issues of prejudice and discrimination such as those
currently gripping our nation.
To aid these efforts, I have introduced the African Descent Affairs
Act. This bill seeks to improve the situation of people of African
descent around the world by establishing within the United States State
Department a Global Office of African Descent Affairs to establish
global foreign policy and assistance strategies for people of African
descent; creating a ``Fund'' to support antidiscrimination and
empowerment efforts by African descent led civil society organizations;
requiring Annual State Department Human Rights Reports to include a
section on discrimination faced by people of African descent; and
creating similar initiatives at the United States Agency for
International Development that can work in partnership with the State
Department.
U.S. foreign policy strategies such as these have improved the
situation of vulnerable groups internationally and would greatly assist
in responding to increasing levels of prejudice and discrimination
faced by people of African descent around the globe. The State
Department has already launched many successful initiatives that have
aided vulnerable populations, such as the Office of Global Women's
Issues, the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, and
special initiatives focusing on disability, LGBTQ+ and other
communities.
Implementing a Global Office of African Descent Affairs will continue
this tradition and facilitate the full and equal participation of
people of African descent in our society, promote knowledge of and
respect for the diverse heritage, culture and contributions of people
of African descent, and strengthen and implement legal frameworks that
combat racial discrimination.
Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will embrace the
challenge of combating prejudice and discrimination around the world. I
encourage them to join me in recognizing the collective history and
achievements made by people of African descent by supporting the
African Descent Affairs Act.
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