A/HRC/45/47 F. Negotiate a draft declaration on people of African descent 85. Preliminary discussions on a draft declaration on people of African descent have been held, including at regional meetings in Brasilia, Geneva and Dakar, at which participants have considered the draft declaration’s objectives and content. The discussions at these regional meetings, together with the inputs and submissions of civil society representatives of African descent, should feed into subsequent negotiations on a draft declaration on the promotion of and full respect for the human rights of people of African descent. 86. The adoption of a declaration on the promotion of and full respect for the human rights of people of African descent authoritatively defining the current and future state of affairs in relation to people of African descent should be a key outcome of the Decade. The COVID19 pandemic has highlighted that focused attention needs to be paid to the human rights of people of African descent in order to ensure that gaps in the enjoyment of their rights are addressed. Such a declaration would consider economic, social and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights, and areas such as access to justice and law enforcement. The High Commissioner strongly encourages all stakeholders to accelerate negotiations on this declaration, the adoption of an inclusive approach and the meaningful consultation and participation of people of African descent from around the world. G. Fund the Decade 87. In proclaiming the Decade, the General Assembly called for the allocation of predictable funding from the regular budget and extrabudgetary resources of the United Nations for the effective implementation of the programme of action and activities under the Decade.63 88. While funding from the regular budget supports some core work under the Decade, including the regional meetings and the fellowship for people of African descent, it is insufficient for making the progress needed to implement the programme of activities. And although the current financial constraints are acknowledged, the importance of the issues of the Decade require that more funding support be provided, at both the national and international levels. 89. Specific funds should be allocated for significant youth participation in the Decade, as well as to improve the social media profile of and engagement in the Decade. Moreover, funding sources from a variety of stakeholders should be considered. 90. States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, private institutions and individuals, as well as other donors in a position to do so, are encouraged to contribute to the trust fund for the Programme for the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination to support civil society participation and raise awareness, in particular, and to contribute to the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. 63 16 Resolution 68/237, para. 3.