Background:

At a time when international competition between great power countries is increasing, and interests prevail regardless of any side effects that these interests may cause and affect any other countries. We have begun to notice the growth of double standard in the world, especially from developed and underdeveloped countries towards international and regional issues, for example (the Russian-Ukrainian war, the conflicts in MENA region in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran and Syria, as well as various conflicts in Africa such as Sudan, Libya, Ethiopia and Somalia). This is primarily related to the concepts of colonial legacy in developing and underdeveloped countries, which, although its traditional forms have ended, its effects still affecting them to this day.
In this regard, Maat Association for Peace, Development and Human Rights, in collaboration and partnership with the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council ECOSOCC, the NGOs Major Group in Africa (UNDESA), and the International Alliance for Peace and Development, are implementing a peaceful rally on the effects of colonialism that continue until today, and the various forms in the current era of economic colonialism, exploitation of resources, and political subordination, etc., in light of the difficulty and refusal to talk about fair reparations for centuries of traditional colonialism in an appropriate manner, or to acknowledge the violations committed against the African peoples. This peaceful rally is in line with the African Union 2025 Theam of the Year: "Justice for Africans and People of African descent through reparations." The peaceful rally will be next to the Broken Chair,
in front of the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, with the wide participation of a number of interested parties, NGOs and experts.

Objectives:

The rally aims to amplify the voices calling for real justice in the world, not only for the present but also for the past, by:
• Promoting the African Union’s theme for 2025 on “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”.
• Encouraging public dialogue on the need to recognize all efforts contributing to addressing the ongoing impacts of injustices on the African continent and in the diaspora to foster dialogue on accountability and restitution.
• Encouraging NGOs and CSOs from around the world that participate in the UN to join and participate in the dialogue on double standards in dealing with Africa’s issues.

Expected Outcomes:

• Supporting the 2025 theme of reparations that will support the reparations for transatlantic slavery, colonialism and apartheid as the 2025 theme of African Union.
• Contributing to building a common and united international front for the cause of justice and reparations for Africans for historical crimes and mass atrocities committed against Africans and people of African descent, including colonialism, apartheid and genocide.
• Raising the voice of the African Union ECOSOCC in international forums as the popular leader and representative of African peoples and their organizations inside and outside Africa in the six regions.

Time and place:

January 28, 2025, from 09.00 to 14.00.
Broken Chair Square, 14 Avenue de la Paix, 1211, in front of the United Nations Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QnHtnqzqqHqar7Qj6

Peaceful Rally Schedule:

Minutes of silence for the souls of all martyrs of wars, conflicts and colonialism around the world
opening introduction to the peaceful rally
speeches and interactive presentations
recorded videos for those unable to participate in the field
Group photos
video interviews on the sidelines of the peaceful rally

Contacts and confirmation of attendance:
Rally Coordinator, Abdelrahman Basha
whatsapp: +201095201286
Email: a.pasha@maatpeace.org