Hon Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House -
1) notes that on 18 December 2009 the UN General Assembly proclaimed the year beginning on 1 January 2011 the International Year for People of African Descent;
2) further notes that the year aims to strengthen national and regional actions and international co-operation for the benefit of the people of African descent in relation to their full enjoyment of economic, cultural, social, civil and political rights, their participation and integration in all political, economic, social and cultural aspects of society, and the promotion of a greater knowledge of and respect for their diverse heritage and culture;
3) recognises the importance of a spirit of progressive Pan-Africanism by mobilising all sectors of our society, Africa and her diaspora for African renewal, advancement and development;
4) further recognises the need for Parliament to develop appropriate programmes for the assertion of the rights of people of African descent, especially their heritage and indigenous knowledge systems; and
5) encourages member states and civil society to make preparations for and identify possible initiatives that can contribute to the success of the International Year for People of African Descent.
Agreed to.