[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 52 (Tuesday, March 26, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            INTRODUCTION OF THE AFRICAN DESCENT AFFAIRS ACT

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 26, 2019

  Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the African 
Descent Affairs Act. As we continue to highlight the International 
Decade for People of African Descent, we have seen a sharp increase in 
racism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia, homophobia and other forms of 
discrimination across the globe.
  Human rights violations emanating from racial prejudice and 
discrimination have negatively impacted people of African descent 
around the world, resulting in racial bias and disparities in 
education, employment, health, housing, justice, and other sectors.
  We must act now to reverse these disturbing trends. The International 
Decade for People of African Descent provides an opportunity to not 
only draw attention to these inequities, but to also join efforts with 
countries around the globe to develop and implement national strategies 
honoring the vast contributions of people of African descent and to 
combat continuing issues of prejudice and discrimination such as those 
currently gripping our nation.
  To aid these efforts, I have introduced the African Descent Affairs 
Act. This bill seeks to improve the situation of people of African 
descent around the world by establishing within the United States State 
Department a Global Office of African Descent Affairs to establish 
global foreign policy and assistance strategies for people of African 
descent; creating a ``Fund'' to support antidiscrimination and 
empowerment efforts by African descent led civil society organizations; 
requiring Annual State Department Human Rights Reports to include a 
section on discrimination faced by people of African descent; and 
creating similar initiatives at the United States Agency for 
International Development that can work in partnership with the State 
Department.
  U.S. foreign policy strategies such as these have improved the 
situation of vulnerable groups internationally and would greatly assist 
in responding to increasing levels of prejudice and discrimination 
faced by people of African descent around the globe. The State 
Department has already launched many successful initiatives that have 
aided vulnerable populations, such as the Office of Global Women's 
Issues, the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, and 
special initiatives focusing on disability, LGBTQ+ and other 
communities.
  Implementing a Global Office of African Descent Affairs will continue 
this tradition and facilitate the full and equal participation of 
people of African descent in our society, promote knowledge of and 
respect for the diverse heritage, culture and contributions of people 
of African descent, and strengthen and implement legal frameworks that 
combat racial discrimination.
  Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will embrace the 
challenge of combating prejudice and discrimination around the world. I 
encourage them to join me in recognizing the collective history and 
achievements made by people of African descent by supporting the 
African Descent Affairs Act.

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