A/HRC/21/60 63. The Chairperson encouraged participants to rethink the geographical focus of the Decade in order to appreciate the universality of people of African descent. She then mentioned other crucial issues, such as integration, identity and interculturalism. 64. At the request of the Chair, Mr. Diène gave a second presentation on the issue of reparations. He mentioned that reparations had historic legitimacy as slave owners had been granted financial reparations when slavery was abolished and that reparations for unjust acts were the basis of law. However he stressed the complexity of how to devise reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, an issue that is four centuries old, cost millions of lives and still has consequences. He noted that there are several debates around forms of reparations. However he asserted the financial cost of slavery could not be calculated and that such a calculation would legitimize the slave-trade ideology that human life had only financial worth. 65. Mr. Diène asserted that there should be four dimensions to reparations: ethical reparations, noting that in the Durban Declaration States were requested to declare slavery as a crime against humanity; historical reparations which involve the reparation of memory and the documentation of the crime sourced from both written documentation and oral histories; educational reparations, ensuring that history of slavery is included in education curricula; and economic reparations since, although financial cost of slavery cannot be calculated, the origins of the underdevelopment of Africa and the prosperity of Europe and the Americas can be traced to slavery. Mr. Diène pointed out that the issue of reparation did not concern only people of African descent but all members of society. 66. The Chairperson noted the importance of addressing reparations in the programme of action. She noted that some countries had requested financial reparations for historical wrongs but agreed that reparation does not have only a financial dimension as other forms of reparation exist and there is a need for documentation of the crime. She went on to reiterate that the history and the consequences of slavery remain unknown to young people and children and should be taught in schools. 67. During the interactive discussion, a representative of a State expressed appreciation for Mr. Diène’s presentation and noted the importance of focusing on the history of slavery, the slave trade and movement of people. He reported that his country adopted a law on slavery as a crime against humanity. 68. During discussion around the concept of people of African descent it was highlighted that the definition of “people of African descent” had already been developed in the DDPA and the discussion should focus on the situation of people of African descent rather than the terminology of people of African descent. 69. The issue of nationality and how to ensure that people of African descent acquire nationality in countries where they live was raised and related to general recommendation No. 34 which states that legislation regarding citizenship and naturalization should not discriminate against people of African descent. Discussions were also held on the issue of multiculturalism, how it could be utilized and how to transcend it. 70. Ms. Sahli recognized women, children, and persons with disabilities of African descent as victims of multiple discrimination and noted that the Decade would be an opportunity for people of African descent to enjoy rights in cross-cutting situations. She stated that the Working Group should stay within the context of the DDPA and focus on priority aims. The Decade would lead to a situation where people of African descent could enjoy key rights – identity, nationality, justice, healthcare, right to development. She also stated that the focus should be on the right to development. 71. Ms. Sahli added that many people of African descent did not have nationality in countries in which they lived, including in African countries. 14