CARICOM Secretary-General Urges Reparatory and Digital Justice at UN Forum

CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett has issued a strong call for reparatory justice and digital equity during her address at the Fourth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, held under the theme “Africa and People of African Descent: United for Reparatory Justice in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”

Speaking at UN Headquarters in New York, Dr. Barnett brought greetings on behalf of the Caribbean Community and commended Dr. June Soomer for her leadership of the Forum. She also welcomed the appointment of Ambassador Martin Kimani as the Forum’s incoming chairperson.

“This Permanent Forum has established itself as an important consultative body with a vital role to play in championing economic, social, digital, and especially reparatory justice,” she stated.

Dr. Barnett stressed that systemic inequality and reparations for the global African community remain central to CARICOM’s advocacy, especially as the world enters the UN’s Second Decade for People of African Descent. “It is an opportunity to confront the consequences of European colonization and enslavement,” she said.

Highlighting Haiti, she reminded delegates that April 2025 marks 200 years since France imposed a 150 million franc indemnity on Haiti for its independence. “The negative economic and social effects of this historical injustice are painfully clear… This anniversary presents an opportunity to bring global attention to the situation in Haiti.”

She welcomed the African Union’s declaration of 2025 as the Year for Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations and reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to partnership with the AU. She noted recent milestones, including the first Africa-CARICOM Summit, the Accra Reparations Conference, and an upcoming second summit in Addis Ababa.

Turning to the Forum’s emphasis on artificial intelligence, Dr. Barnett warned that unequal access to AI could widen the digital divide. “Africans and people of African descent are at risk of being further left behind,” she said. She urged the Forum to push for inclusive digital policies, investments in technology, and safeguards against algorithmic bias.

“This session is an opportunity to pool our collective knowledge and strengthen our commitment to justice,” she concluded. “Let us continue to work together to build inclusive societies where the rights of all people—especially people of African descent—are respected.”