Letter to the U.N, regarding "Reparations"

Let’s refine the draft for submission, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and strong arguments. Here’s an enhanced version tailored to the topic of reparations for African Americans.

Draft for Submission to the UN

To:

• UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent (WGEPAD)

• Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

Subject:

Complaint Regarding the Lack of Reparatory Justice for African Americans

Section 1: IntroductionI, [Your Name], a citizen/resident of [City, State, Country], submit this complaint regarding the ongoing denial of reparatory justice to African Americans, the descendants of those enslaved during the transatlantic slave trade. This submission is made on behalf of myself and all affected individuals who continue to endure the legacy of systemic racism rooted in slavery.

The United Nations has consistently recognized the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity and has recommended reparatory justice as a means to address its lasting impacts. However, despite these calls, the United States has failed to take meaningful action to remedy the harm caused by slavery and its aftermath.

Section 2: Background and ContextFor over 400 years, African Americans have suffered the generational consequences of slavery, segregation, and systemic racial discrimination. The transatlantic slave trade forcibly uprooted millions of Africans, subjecting them to dehumanizing conditions, economic exploitation, and the denial of basic human rights. Even after the abolition of slavery in 1865, discriminatory practices such as Jim Crow laws, redlining, and voter suppression perpetuated racial inequality.

Today, the socioeconomic disparities faced by African Americans are stark and undeniable:

• Wealth Gap: According to the Federal Reserve (2020), the median wealth of Black families is nearly eight times lower than that of white families.

• Housing Discrimination: The effects of redlining continue to limit homeownership and access to quality housing for African Americans.

• Education and Employment Inequalities: African Americans are disproportionately affected by underfunded schools, lower wages, and higher unemployment rates.

In 2016, the UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent recommended that the United States implement reparations to address these injustices. Yet, no substantial action has been taken.

Section 3: Specific ViolationsThe United States’ failure to address the legacy of slavery constitutes a violation of international obligations, including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).

Specifically:

1. ICERD Article 2(1): States must eliminate racial discrimination in all forms and promote equality.

2. ICERD Article 6: States must ensure that victims of racial discrimination have access to effective remedies.

By not addressing the systemic inequities resulting from slavery, the U.S. fails to uphold its commitments under ICERD.

Section 4: EvidenceI submit the following evidence to substantiate this complaint:

1. UN Recommendations: The 2016 WGEPAD report urging reparations for African Americans.

2. Statistical Data:

   • Wealth disparities (Federal Reserve, 2020).

   • Ongoing housing discrimination linked to redlining.

3. Historical Context: Documents and studies detailing the economic exploitation of enslaved Africans and its long-term effects on African Americans.

Section 5: Remedies SoughtI respectfully request that the United Nations take the following actions:

1. Reiterate its call for reparations to be implemented for African Americans in the United States.

2. Encourage the U.S. to establish a reparations commission to assess the harm caused by slavery and propose concrete measures for restitution.

3. Recommend targeted initiatives to address systemic inequalities, including:

   • Investments in education, housing, and healthcare for African American communities.

   • Economic programs to reduce the racial wealth gap.

4. Call for an official apology and acknowledgment of the United States’ role in perpetuating slavery and systemic racism.

Section 6: ConclusionThis submission seeks to honor the legacy of those who suffered under slavery and its aftermath. Reparations are not simply about compensation but about recognizing and addressing the enduring harm caused by these historical injustices.

I urge the United Nations to advocate for justice and equality by addressing this matter with the urgency it deserves.

Sincerely,[Your Full Name][Contact Information: Email, Address, Phone Number]

Next Steps

1. Complete the OHCHR Complaint Form:

   • Fill out the required fields using this draft as your narrative.

   • Download the form.

2. Submit to Relevant Bodies:

   • Email to africandescent@ohchr.org and/or petitions@ohchr.org.

   • Optionally, submit to CERD at cerd@ohchr.org for ICERD-specific concerns.

3. Include Evidence:

   • Attach PDFs or links to supporting documents like:

     • The 2016 WGEPAD report.

     • Federal Reserve statistics on wealth gaps.

     • Historical records or relevant articles.

Let me know if you need help sourcing specific evidence or further refining the draft!