A/HRC/54/67 assessments by credit rating agencies, where developing countries were often designated with “junk” status despite having robust economies. Ms. Waris also emphasized the lack of transparency in debt systems, both public and private, and the impact of regime changes on debt negotiation and repayment. 32. Civil society representatives highlighted the importance of adopting policies that guaranteed a basic universal income to address the historical inequality and systemic racism faced by people of African descent. The vulnerability of ancestral communities of African descent in the face of the climate crisis and the need to recognize and incorporate ancestral knowledge into policies for adaptation and mitigation were also reiterated. The disproportionate debt burden borne by African and Black countries was the result of intentional policy choices aimed at maintaining dominance, hierarchy and survival struggles, which were viewed as manifestations of systemic racism. 33. The issue of digital fiscal systems and the inequalities they create was raised, particularly in Africa. The need for a new fiscal architecture and a global tax body to address such systemic problems was emphasized. Namibia was given as an example of a way of addressing reparations. However, scepticism was expressed about the effectiveness of the apology and development aid provided by Germany, questioning the impact of $1.3 billion dollars over 30 years. Attention was drawn to the challenges faced by parliamentarians of African descent in Europe when discussing debt issues. Also discussed were the disparity in tax payments by profitable companies and the influence of asset management funds such as Vanguard and BlackRock. 34. The third panel, on the theme of “Race, economic empowerment and Afrodescendants’ human rights”, was chaired by Ms. D’Costa. Professor of Economics at RMIT University, Australia, Sefa Awaworyi Churchill, emphasized the importance of social capital, highlighting its role in promoting economic empowerment and human rights. He discussed the historical marginalization and discrimination faced by people of African descent and the proactive measures they had taken to create their own institutions and networks for empowerment. He presented evidence showcasing the positive association between social capital and educational achievements, employment opportunities and entrepreneurship. He recommended the development of business networks, mentorship schemes, community spaces and initiatives that encourage community involvement to foster the development of social capital and address systemic barriers. 35. Breon Wells of The Daniel Initiative emphasized the link between digital equity and economic equity, highlighting the global digital divide and its impact on economic opportunities for people of African descent. He discussed the impact of digital inequities on education, economic competitiveness and civic engagement, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Wells stressed the importance of viewing access to the Internet as a basic human right and highlighted the ongoing work of the United Nations in developing a global digital compact. He concluded by presenting recommendations, including expanding the Decade of People of African Descent to address technology equity and for the Working Group to prioritize technology and digital equity, develop a declaration of digital rights for people of African descent and collaborate with other United Nations mechanisms to promote digital equity through resolutions. 36. Commissioner at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Roberta Clarke, speaking on behalf of the Commission, emphasized the need for decolonization and structural transformation to dismantle systems of economic inequality and discrimination. Ms. Clarke stressed the importance of collective action and reparations to address the legacy of extractive capitalism and neoliberalism. She concluded by emphasizing the necessity of political will to repair historical harms and promote equality in development for all. 37. During the discussion, the Chair of the Working Group called for interlocking strategies of racial justice, reparatory justice and climate justice to break the cycle of oppression and pursue development and justice. The representative of the European Union highlighted its priorities in addressing the digital divide and promoting digital transformation, including the Global Gateway strategy, focusing on connectivity and infrastructure projects worldwide. Reference was made to the Working Group’s technical visit to Uruguay and the 8 GE.23-12890