A/HRC/54/67 113. The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action is the most comprehensive framework on the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance. Adopted by the General Assembly in 2002, the framework has led, in particular to (a) reinforcement of the concept of people of African descent; (b) the establishment of important tools against racism at the international level; (c) a recognition of the significance of positive measures or affirmative actions as essential for overcoming the effects of racism in society; and (d) the fight against racism being placed on national agendas. 114. The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action is the result of a consensus founded on global solidarity in both the preparatory stage and during the negotiation of the text. Consensus language was achieved following extensive efforts at all levels, making the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action a truly global and comprehensive document. There is nothing in its text that is antisemitic or can be interpreted as such. 115. One of the key elements demanded at the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance was reparations for the historical injustices of the enslavement of Africans and colonialism. Specifically, the World Conference offered the recognition that poverty, underdevelopment, marginalization and economic disparities were all associated with racial discrimination and that racial discrimination kept countries in poverty. 116. The argument by some States opposed to the call for reparations is grounded in the reasoning that the trade and trafficking in enslaved Africans and colonialism were not, at that time, violations of international law. That is a shocking example of a culture of denial, given the role of those countries in crimes against humanity and the ongoing legacies of systematized racial atrocity. Some of those same countries provided very substantial reparations to enslavers at the time of abolition. 117. Historical understanding of the manifestation of racism and racial discrimination is of significance in the fight to eradicate it. The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action provides this important historical perspective, unlike other ahistorical instruments, such as the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which do not unpack the roots of racial discrimination. 118. The Working Group concludes that historical injustices have undeniably contributed to underdevelopment and economic disparities. Harrowing intergenerational poverty runs the risk of continuing unabated. Member States, United Nations agencies and international financial institutions should consider the linkage between enslavement and colonialism that has led to underdevelopment, including reflecting it in development policies. 119. Finally, the Working Group recognizes that economic success, even when exploitative and enslaving, was historically recognized as a qualifier, rather than a disqualifier; that countries, prominent historical figures, institutions, the church and universities gained wealth and status from the enslavement of people of African descent; and that the risk of that exploitative dynamic remains today. B. Recommendations 120. Member States should act responsibly in the best interests of people of African descent and United Nations entities should adhere to those tenets in their internal and external policies and practices. 121. All stakeholders should enhance awareness and improve public education and analysis of the causes and consequences of Black indebtedness, and the cost not just to people of African descent but to humanity. 122. Parliamentarians must adopt effective legislative frameworks to preclude forced indebtedness and to govern financial structures, systems and policies to stringently monitor and evaluate the causes and consequences of the burden of indebtedness for Africans and people of African descent. GE.23-12890 17