Count Us In: Nova Scotia’s Action Plan in Response to the International Decade for People of African Descent

Count Us In: Nova Scotia’s Action Plan in Response to the International Decade for People of African Descent, 2015-2024 outlines specific actions and priorities to help government end the many challenges facing African Nova Scotians.

Count Us In will help government, organizations and the community work together on existing initiatives and new opportunities.

Goals

The overall goals of Count Us In are:

  • to provide a framework for government to address the issues and concerns facing African Nova Scotians
  • to work towards advancing social justice and inclusion polices, eradicating racism and promoting human rights
  • to create partnerships and opportunities with African Nova Scotians, the community and government to address the inequalities in all facets of our society

Background

The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2015-2024 the International Decade for People of African Descent. The goal is to strengthen national, regional and international cooperation to support the economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights of people of African descent so they can fully and equally participate in all aspects of society. 

Nova Scotia joined the initiative in 2018, and government began work on Count Us In. 

United Nations pillars

The actions in Count Us In aligns with the 3 pillars identified by the United Nations for the Decade:

Recognition - recognizing and celebrating the important contributions of people of African descent, while also recognizing the long-standing prejudices and unfair treatment they have endured for generations

Justice - drawing on the lessons learned from the past to guide us as we work towards advancing social justice and inclusion policies, eradicating racism and intolerance, and promoting human rights

Development - creating healthier and more prosperous communities

Download the Count Us In: Nova Scotia’s Action Plan in Response to the International Decade for People of African Descent, 2015 – 2024 (PDF)