Contribution of Panelist Abdarahmane Wone TrustAfrica and African Network on Discrimination based on Work and Descent and Slavery (ANDS) Good morning everyone. It is great to be here amongst all of you. I am Abda Wone represent TrustAfrica and the African Network on Discrimination based on Work and Descent and Slavery (ANDS). TrustAfrica is a pan-African philanthropic organisation and the pioneer organisation when it comes to addressing the rights of communities discriminated against based on work and descent (CDWDs) and slavery in Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad. CDWDs in these countries face traditional slavery and caste-based discrimination. These communities continue to face inter-generational oppression. Last year TrustAfrica conducted a study on CDWDs in Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. According to the outcome of the study, traditional slavery and discrimination based on work and descent are still widespread. CDWDs suffered disproportionately during the COVID19 pandemic. In Mali, CDWDs within the Soninké community were specifically targeted for slavery and were forced to flee their homes to avoid forced labour. In Mauritania, Haratines are still segregated due to their origins as slaves. The Arabdominated regime continues to discriminate against Fulani, Soninké and Wolof communities because of the colour of their skin. The concerns of CDWDs in Africa have not been sufficiently addressed at previous Minority Rights Forums. In the spirit of this year’s theme “Review, Rethink and Reform”, I think it is urgent for the international community to recognise CDWDs as a category of persons requiring special protections. First of all, a dedicated session on CDWDs should be added to the agenda for the next Forum, with the goal of conducting dialogues around the institution of a Special Procedure mandate to strengthen the international protection regime. Moreover, I believe an international year for communities discriminated on work and descent could be of great importance to raise awareness of the violations affecting these groups and to strengthen international dialogue towards addressing them. Finally, I would like to appeal to the states of countries concerned by this issue to reach out for dialogue with ANDS and TrustAfrica and local communities to address the human rights concerns of CDWDs. I thank you.