A/HRC/54/71 Decade for People of African Descent, to run from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2024, with the theme proposed by the Working Group. Since then, the Working Group has promoted the Decade to public and private entities. 32. In October 2020, in its resolution 45/24, the Human Rights Council asked the Working Group to contribute to the report that it had requested in its resolution 43/1 from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on systemic racism and violations of international human rights law against Africans and people of African descent by law enforcement agencies. The Working Group actively cooperated with OHCHR to prepare the report and its analysis contributed to the final report41 and to a conference room paper of the High Commissioner on the promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Africans and of people of African descent against excessive use of force and other human rights violations by law enforcement officers. Both documents made reference to the prior work of the Working Group. By all accounts, the Working Group’s substantive cooperation was key in the development of the High Commissioner’s report. Recognition through education 33. The recognition of people of African descent as a distinct group is essential to increasing their visibility and thus to the full realization of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. People of African descent must be recognized as such in national constitutions and legislation and by means of education, awareness-raising and respect for their cultural rights. Self-recognition is also critical for people of African descent. Data collection as a means of confirming the presence, activities and overall situation of people of African descent is crucial for the attainment of full recognition.42 34. At its twelfth session, the theme of which was “Recognition through education, cultural rights and data collection”, 43 the Working Group emphasized the importance of inclusive and equitable education for people of African descent. This included addressing the historical omissions and misrepresentations of the history and contributions of Africa; promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity in curricula; and ensuring access to quality education for all individuals of African descent. The Working Group highlighted the significance of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of people of African descent. It called for the recognition and protection of cultural rights, including language, art, music and traditional practices. 35. The Working Group has also advocated for increased recognition of the achievements, contributions and diversity of people of African descent in various aspects of society. This includes their representation in leadership positions, the media, the arts and other fields where their voices have historically been underrepresented. At its twelfth session, it urged States to revise current curricula and teaching materials and develop ones that respected and recognized the history of people of African descent, including material on the enslavement of Africans and the illegal transatlantic slave trade. During country visits, the Working Group has consistently recommended to Governments that they include the element of recognition in education systems. States must ensure that people of African descent have access to quality education, which would enable them to compete on an equal footing with others in the labour market. 36. The right to education is critical for people of African descent, not only as a means of extricating themselves from historical exclusion and discrimination, but also for the enjoyment, respect and recognition of their cultures, traditions and knowledge. Women and girls of African descent, who face multiple and intersectional discrimination, suffer disproportionately from a lack of access to education and from high levels of illiteracy, which constitute significant barriers to their overall progress and empowerment. 41 42 43 GE.23-15301 A/HRC/47/53. A/HRC/24/52, para. 49. See A/HRC/24/52. 9