A/HRC/21/60 39. During the interactive discussion the need to consider the consequences of slavery and slave trade-related issues in order to eradicate all forms of racism was pointed out. It was stressed that the inclusion of reparations should be in line with the DDPA, which in paragraph 158 recognized the contribution of historical injustice to contemporary poverty, underdevelopment, marginalization, social exclusion, economic disparities, instability and insecurity, in particular in developing countries and stresses the need to develop programmes for the social and economic development of these societies and the diaspora. In paragraph 157 it called upon developed countries, the United Nations and its specialized agencies, as well as international financial institutions, to provide new and additional financial resources, as appropriate, to support initiatives. 40. An observer pointed out that the Decade would have an impact not only on countries with a strong presence of people of African descent but also on other countries. The process must be inclusive and Asian States should be effectively included. The role of nongovernmental organizations in supporting the rights of people of African descent was noted. It was noted that education is also crucial, as some countries still struggle to promote inclusive education as one of the consequences of segregation. 41. Examples of initiatives for reparations for people of African descent were mentioned, noting that reparations were not only about receiving money but also access to education, health and employment. The need for the adoption of affirmative action measures was also raised and examples provided on its implementation, in a manner that is culturally relevant. 42. The need to destroy cycles of poverty was highlighted. Many of the issues affecting people of African descent, such as low participation and representation in political and institutional decision-making processes and barriers in access to quality education, employment and justice, result in the intergenerational transmission of poverty. 43. Ms. Najcevska pointed out the need to ensure a sense of cultural belonging for people of African descent. She discussed how the Programme of Action would address issues of culture through intercultural approaches which are inclusive and respect cultural diversity. States, particularly in relation to the theme of recognition, should ensure the protection and promotion of the culture, heritage and identity of people of African descent. Beyond this, States should ensure that all measures taken to promote and protect the rights of people of African descent are implemented in a culturally relevant manner. 44. During the interactive discussion, the Chairperson called for suggestions and comments on the theme for the Decade. Many observers agreed that the suggested theme of “recognition, justice and development” was relevant and sufficiently wide to encompass all the issues contained in the Programme of Action. The African Group as well as other observers suggested integrating the issue of inequality into the theme. Mr. Murillo stated his agreement with the suggestion of including the concept of equality, highlighting the need for strengthening laws against racism. Observers pointed out that equality of treatment is the realization of the principle of non-discrimination articulated in all core human rights instruments and that equality was a consequence of recognition and the essential basis for justice and development. It was argued that the inclusion of equality in the theme would provide an “actionable” and measurable universal normative component, which directly and explicitly links the decade theme to the rule of law, the necessary foundation for realization of the broad “aspirational” principles of recognition, justice and development. 45. Other issues that were raised for inclusion in the theme were the issues of education, history, discrimination, racism and reparations. Many observers noted that the theme of recognition, justice and development should involve a cultural approach based on cultural relevance, human development, prior consultation, recognition of the contribution of people of African descent, and intercultural dialogue, with a special focus on women and children. 10