Key Stakeholders

No country in the world is free of racism. Structural racism weakens societies and fuels corruption, economic-driven migration, distrust, and authoritarianism. It also leaves doors open to other actors exerting malign influence. Marginalized racial, ethnic, and Indigenous communities disproportionately feel the effects of these societal ills, as well as every current challenge facing the wider global community.

The United States approaches this work with great humility. To truly partner with marginalized racial, ethnic, and Indigenous communities in an inclusive and respectful way, we start by showing humility. A key part of our humility is listening, so that we can hear directly from the most impacted communities about the structural barriers that have excluded them from fully participating in society, and how to break those barriers down.

The Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice seeks to engage with all marginalized communities around the world, but some of the largest stakeholders in this work include people of African descent, Indigenous communities, and Roma persons.

People of African Descent

There are people of African descent all over the world, making essential contributions to academia, culture, business, politics, and social progress. Around 200 million people identifying themselves as being of African descent live in the Americas alone. Many millions more live in other parts of the world, outside of the African continent. However, African descendant communities around the world are still grappling with the devastating and lingering impacts of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and colonialism.

The tragic legacy of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and colonialism includes persistent and pervasive anti-Black racism, a global challenge that is not unique to any singular region or country. Today, people of African descent account for some of the most marginalized populations throughout the world. These disparities are well documented, affecting health outcomes, educational opportunities, and access to justice.

As part of the promotion of the UN International Decade for People of African Descent  (2015-2024), the Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice galvanized robust U.S. support for the creation of the new UN Permanent Forum for People of African Descent  (PFPAD), as well as the State Department’s African Descendant Social Entrepreneurship Network (ADSEN).

Indigenous Communities

With over 5,000 cultures and an estimated 7,000 languages, Indigenous communities bring unique perspectives, a rich diversity, and generations of knowledge to addressing many of the challenges facing our planet today. Despite their rich histories and contributions, Indigenous peoples remain among the world’s most marginalized communities.

We have a collective responsibility to foster a more inclusive global society in which Indigenous peoples achieve their aspirations and are invited to contribute their expertise to help shape a safer, healthier, more inclusive, and more sustainable world. Consistently and meaningfully consulting with Indigenous communities as global leaders on issues like gender-based violence, Indigenous Knowledge, and climate change, will help create a safer and more prosperous world for all.

The Special Representative helps shape U.S. government policy priorities for the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) , and in November 2023, launched the Indigenous Youth Leadership Coalition (IYLC) as a new network to elevate the voices of Indigenous youth into global civic and political participation conversations.

See DipNote: Groundbreaking Initiative to Elevate Indigenous Youth Leaders

Roma

As Europe’s largest quantitative ethnic minority, Roma have faced persistent societal prejudice and systemic discrimination. They are disproportionately affected by poverty, statelessness, and violence, as well as inequities in work opportunities, access to health care, and affordable housing.

In October 2023, the Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice developed and implemented the State Department’s first Roma Issues Working Group to coalesce subject matter experts and partner with civil society organizations to amplify the rights and concerns of members of the Roma community. The Working Group seeks to address entrenched institutional practices that inhibit Roma from fully realizing their freedom and equality in dignity and rights.