The following is a statement from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on this historic ceasefire:

"I commend the mediators — Egypt, Qatar, and the United States of America — for their dedicated efforts in brokering this deal. Their unwavering commitment to finding a diplomatic solution has been critical in achieving this breakthrough. I call on all relevant parties to uphold their commitments and ensure that this deal is fully implemented.

​From the outset of the violence, I have called for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
 
Our priority must be to ease the tremendous suffering caused by this conflict. The United Nations stands ready to support the implementation of this deal and scale up the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief to the countless Palestinians who continue to suffer. It is imperative that this ceasefire removes the significant security and political obstacles to delivering aid across Gaza so that we can support a major increase in urgent lifesaving humanitarian support. The humanitarian situation is at catastrophic levels."

Join the first UNA-USA General Membership Meeting and New Member Orientation of 2025! This virtual program -- Monday, January 13 @ 3 PM ET/2 PM CT/12 PM PT -- will combine meetings and allow for new and seasoned members alike to hear announcements, learn more about UNA-USA programs and initiatives, network with others in their region, and more!
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The business portion of the meeting (not the breakout rooms) will be recorded and made available to members.

On January 2, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), along with 14 colleagues, celebrated the United Nations General Assembly's groundbreaking adoption of a resolution establishing a second Decade for People of African Descent. The Second Decade, spanning from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2034, was co-sponsored by 87 UN Member States and adopted by consensus, reflecting broad international support. 

The initiative comes after Congressman Johnson and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37)  introduced a resolution November 20, 2024, that called for a second United Nations-designated International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034) and pushed for comprehensive actions to combat racism and foster inclusion at national and international levels.

"The United Nations' proclamation of a second Decade for People of African Descent is a monumental step toward justice and equity," said Congressman Johnson. "It reflects our shared responsibility to address systemic inequities and uplift the contributions of people of African descent globally. I am proud to lead this effort and grateful for the international community's support."

“I am proud that the UN adopted a resolution to establish a second ‘International Decade for People of African Descent,’ which Representative Hank Johnson and I called for in Congress last month," said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “With this declaration, the UN has renewed a global commitment to people of African descent. The United States must uphold this promise by helping to pursue justice, ensure sustainable development, and address systemic and structural racism for Afro-descendants here at home and across the world.”

“This resolution establishing the Second Decade for People of African Descent is truly historic; it reflects our shared values that all human beings are born free with equal dignity and rights,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “We have a moral responsibility to promote the extraordinary contributions of the African diaspora and to highlight the ongoing fight for racial equity. This resolution reaffirms our support for progress implementing policies that address the history of institutional racism.”
 
“This is a new opportunity to truly advance racial justice, reparations, protect African based spiritualities, increase global political participation of afrodescendants and the specific rights of women, LGBTQ, children, and migrants. We will work with Rep. Johnson and others to help advance this agenda,” said Gimena Sanchez Director for the Andes, WOLA.
 
The resolution was championed by Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) with the support of several key cosponsors, including Representatives Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Danny K. Davis, Raúl M. Grijalva, Barbara Lee, James P. McGovern (MA-2), Ilhan Omar (MN-5), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Nikema Williams (GA-5), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), and Delia C. Ramirez (IL-3), as well as Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Representatives Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-1), Gwen Moore (WI-4), and Summer L. Lee (PA-12).