From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
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Minister Joe O’Brien, Minister of State for Community Development, Integration and Charities speaking at an event on Africa Day to mark the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent 2015-2024, announced the launch of a funding call to support the celebration of the International Decade for People of African Descent in Ireland. This funding, up to a maximum of €5,000 for each successful application, will be available for events to mark the International Decade and celebrate the diverse culture and heritage of people of African descent.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister of State O’Brien said:
“The International Decade for People of African Descent is an important global initiative to recognise historical injustices, promote equality and foster the recognition and protection of the rights of every person of African descent. This fund will support projects across the country to raise awareness of the Decade and to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of people of African descent.”
In support of the International Decade, Minister O’Brien announced the publication of the International Decade of People of African Descent Consultation Report. The public consultation was convened in 2019 to involve stakeholders in identifying key areas of action to mark the International Decade. Announcing the publication of the consultation report, Minister O’Brien stated that a review of the International Decade would be published in 2024:
“The consultation report on the International Decade for People of African Descent provides a valuable insight into the experiences of people of African descent in Ireland. It is important that we build on these findings and I plan to commission a report on the International Decade in Ireland. The report will review the progress that has been achieved since the 2019 consultation, provide updated research on the experiences of people of African descent in Ireland and make recommendations for further actions to advance the objectives of the Decade."
The closing date for receipt of applications is 12pm on 22 June 2023.
The International Decade for People of African Descent Funding Call events under the following themes will be considered:
1. Recognition – An event that raises awareness and understanding of the obstacles that can prevent People of African Descent from equal enjoyment of all human, economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights. Events will recognise and highlight issues that People of African Descent can experience in Ireland.
2. Celebration – An event that promotes a greater knowledge and awareness of the culture, history and heritage of People of African Descent. Events will celebrate and increase understanding of African culture and heritage.
3. Enrichment - An event that informs and raises awareness of the contribution of People of African Descent to Irish communities. Events that aim to bring communities together to celebrate the enrichment of Irish society by People of African Descent.
The UN General Assembly proclaimed an ‘International Decade for People of African Descent’, effective from 2015-2024 under resolution 68/237. The resolution proclaims a need to strengthen national, regional and international cooperation in order to encourage the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by People of African Descent. The theme of the Decade is “People of African descent: recognition, justice and development”.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth grant funds the International Decade for People of African Descent Ireland (IDPADI) Steering Committee to advance the celebration of the Decade.