III 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S. CON. RES. 9 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 2, 2011 Mr. Cardin (for himself and Mr. Wicker) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of the designation of the year of 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent.

Whereas United Nations Resolution 64/169, adopted by the General Assembly on December 18, 2009, designates the year 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent; Whereas the African Diaspora is expansive, spanning across the globe from Latin America and the Caribbean to Asia, with persons of African descent living on every continent, including Europe; Whereas the historical bonds and shared experiences that tie the African continent with the world must be recalled; Whereas the global contributions of people of African descent must be recognized as a means of preserving that heritage; Whereas the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted Resolution 64/169 with a view to strengthening national actions and regional and international cooperation for the benefit of people of African descent in relation to— (1)the full enjoyment of economic, cultural, social, civil, and political rights for people of African descent; (2)the participation and integration of people of African descent in all political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of society; and (3)the promotion of greater knowledge of, and respect for, the diverse heritage and culture of people of African descent; and Whereas the Helsinki Final Act resulting from the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe in 1975 states that “participating States will respect human rights and fundamental freedoms (…) for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion;”: Now, therefore, be it

That Congress— (1)supports the goals and ideals of the designation of the year of 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent; (2)encourages the recognition and celebration of the collective history and achievements made by people of African descent; (3)reaffirms the importance of inclusion and the full and equal participation of people of African descent around the world in all aspects of political, economic, social, and cultural life; (4)continues to support bilateral and multilateral efforts to promote democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the eradication of poverty, hunger, inequality, and social exclusion; and (5)reaffirms the commitment of Congress to address racism, discrimination, and intolerance in the United States and around the globe.