Siphiwe Baleka Advocates for Justice and Reparations at the United Nations
By Afrodescendant Ali
In a powerful statement delivered at the 3rd Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, Siphiwe Baleka, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Provisional Government of the Republic of New Afrika, called for justice, self-determination, and reparations for Afrodescendant people living under alien domination. With a resounding plea for action, Baleka emphasized the need for the Forum to exercise its mandate and take a bold step towards seeking an Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This article delves into the urgency and passion of Baleka's statement, highlighting the importance of his call for justice.
Baleka began his statement by drawing attention to the historical struggles faced by Afrodescendant people seeking self-determination and reparations. He cited the assassinations of influential figures such as Malcolm X, who attempted to bring these issues before the world court, as well as the unsuccessful attempts of Marcus Garvey and W.E.B DuBois to present their claims to the League of Nations. Despite these setbacks, Baleka expressed hope when UN Resolution 75/314 established the Permanent Forum, emphasizing the opportunity it provided for implementing the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA).
The Minister underscored that the DDPA's section 104 specifically calls for access to justice and legal assistance for Afrodescendant people. However, he raised a critical question - why have those living under alien domination been denied access to the ICJ, the highest court on the planet? Baleka highlighted the ICJ's involvement in the Gaza genocide case, emphasizing the need for the court to issue an advisory opinion on behalf of the victims of the Maangamizi - a comprehensive term encompassing chattel enslavement, ethnocide, colonialism, and their ongoing consequences.
With a sense of urgency, Baleka challenged the notion that Afrodescendant people are considered less than others, asserting that access to justice should be equal for all. He called upon the Forum to exercise its mandate in a more proactive and assertive manner, transforming from a mere reporting mechanism to an active advocate for the rights of people of African descent. Baleka emphasized that the conclusion of the 1st Decade of People of African Descent presents a crucial opportunity to initiate the case for reparations, urging the Forum Chair, June Soomer, to sign the request for an Advisory Opinion and submit it to the ICJ.
The Minister's statement resonated with enthusiasm and a call for action. He emphasized the need for the Forum to wield its influence, rallying the support of civil society representatives and demanding that the UN system take a position on the matter. Baleka's impassioned plea called for a culmination of the Forum's work with a tangible accomplishment, igniting the efforts to seek justice and reparations for Afrodescendant people worldwide.
Siphiwe Baleka's statement at the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent showcased his unwavering commitment to justice, self-determination, and reparations for Afro Descendant people living under alien domination. With a fervent call for the Forum to exercise its mandate and seek an Advisory Opinion from the ICJ, Baleka urged the delegates to take bold action. His passionate plea resonated with enthusiasm and a longing for equality, challenging the status quo and demanding that the voices of Afrodescendant people be heard. The Forum now has the opportunity to make a lasting impact and become an active advocate for change, ensuring that justice prevails for all.