A/HRC/30/56 contributed to the poverty, underdevelopment, marginalization, social exclusion, economic disparities, instability and insecurity that affect many people in different parts of the world, in particular in developing countries” and “recognizes the need to develop programmes for the social and economic development of these societies and the Diaspora, within the framework of a new partnership based on the spirit of solidarity and mutual respect” (Durban Programme of Action, para. 158), in areas such as debt relief, poverty eradication, market access and the promotion of foreign direct investment. 44. The Working Group points out that, despite the publication of evidence, there is still insufficient attention paid to the proven contributions of people of African descent to world development. It concludes that the role that people of African descent have played in global development must be recognized both in terms of the contribution that the African continent has historically made to worldwide development, including during the transatlantic slave trade, and the contributions that Africans and the African diaspora have made and continue to make to the contemporary world. 45. In a period of economic and financial crisis, principles of participation, equality and non-discrimination should be integrated into all development activities where the realization of rights, including with respect to the fight against poverty and access to education, health, employment and political participation, are the goals of development. The Working Group also stresses that repairing the catastrophic damage done by enslavement and the slave trade would contribute to development. 46. The International Decade for People of African Descent is an important milestone in the struggle for the protection and promotion of the rights of people of African descent and their political, economic social and cultural development. On the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Working Group recognizes the important role that the Convention and the Committee have played in protecting the rights of people of African descent. 47. People of African descent remain invisible within societies in some States, owing to, inter alia, the lack of statistical data, including data disaggregated along ethnic lines. This poses an obstacle to assessing the progress made, as well as challenges faced by people of African descent in attaining overall development. 48. Considering the conditions of extreme poverty in which the majority of people of African descent live in both developing and developed countries, development activities and programmes must address all people of African descent, regardless of the country in which they live. Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance pose major obstacles for people of African descent in the eradication of poverty. 49. The Working Group is concerned by the pervasive and distinct form of racism faced by people of African descent in employment and the labour market. Most statistical data from different parts of the world point to people of African descent and Africans as being among the most unemployed, and often subjected to racial discrimination while seeking employment. Similarly, people of African descent often lack access to quality health services and face disparities in health status as a result of racial discrimination. 50. The right to education is not enjoyed equally by all; millions of girls, boys, women and men of African descent suffer disproportionately from unequal access to quality education. Failure to ensure equal access to education robs people of their 11