Colombian UN official urges action against continuing imperial, colonial oppression in Africa

Pastor Elías Murillo Martinez, a member of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent from Colombia, has underscored the necessity to put an end to the ongoing suffering of the victims of imperialist and colonial policies in Africa, who continue to endure the consequences of colonial oppression to this day.

At the international scientific conference "Imperial Structure: Colonial Ideologies and Realities,” Martinez noted that global risks are growing every day, and no one is immune to racism and social inequality, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

"People of African descent have experienced colonialism, the transatlantic slave trade, and imperialism, and their effects are still felt today. Today, we face new challenges, including the migration crisis, racism, racial hatred violence, xenophobia, climate shocks, injustice in the energy transition, as well as the negative and unethical use of artificial intelligence," he emphasised.

Martinez emphasised that the conference in Baku became an important platform to rethink historical realities, to hear the voices of previously ignored groups, and to recognise their contributions to shaping the global heritage, including in regions such as North and South America.

It is pertinent to recall that Africa’s colonial past has left deep and enduring scars that continue to affect millions of people across the continent and the global African diaspora. The imperialist and colonial policies implemented by European powers from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century led to the exploitation of African lands, resources, and peoples. Colonial rule was often characterised by violent conquest, economic extraction, forced labour, and systematic racial discrimination. These policies disrupted traditional societies, imposed foreign governance systems, and entrenched social inequalities.

Even decades after the formal end of colonialism, many African countries face significant challenges linked to this legacy. Economic dependency, political instability, social fragmentation, and underdevelopment are common issues that can be traced back to the colonial era. Furthermore, the transatlantic slave trade forcibly removed millions of Africans to the Americas, creating a widespread African diaspora whose descendants continue to face the legacies of slavery and systemic racism.

The United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (UNPF-PAD) was established to provide an international platform dedicated to addressing issues faced by people of African descent worldwide. The forum’s mission is to promote respect, protection, and fulfilment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by people of African descent, and to contribute to their full and equal participation in society. It seeks to combat persistent racial discrimination, systemic inequalities, and social exclusion rooted in the historical legacies of colonialism and slavery.

By Khagan Isayev