PFPAD 2026 Special Edition: Meet Gaynel Curry

Gaynel Curry is a powerhouse in the global human rights arena, bringing over two decades of front-line experience from some of the world’s most complex environments to the heart of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD). As the incoming Chair and a proud voice for the Caribbean, Gaynel is redefining what it means to advocate for the rights, dignity, and agency of the global Black diaspora. In this episode of Blackfluencers, we dive deep into the mechanics of the PFPAD and its mission to move beyond rhetoric into action. Gaynel shares insights from her recent missions in the Latin American and Caribbean region where she consulted with hundreds of civil society representatives on the elaboration of a UN Declaration on the Human Rights of People of African Descent. We explore the strategic importance of this upcoming Declaration, as well as of the milestones that were and still are the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, and the International Decade for People of African Descent. We also talk about the urgency of addressing the "data gap" that often hides racial biases. This conversation isn't just about policy; it’s about the central question that defines our era: "What does reparations look like to us?" Whether it’s sticking to the law or reclaiming the agency of our history, Gaynel reminds us that while contexts differ, the right to dignity is universal. About Gaynel Curry A career human rights specialist, Gaynel Curry has dedicated 23+ years to the United Nations, serving in critical missions in Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Timor-Leste. Formerly the Gender and Women's Rights Advisor at the OHCHR in New York, she now serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of The Bahamas. Endorsed by CARICOM for her seat on the PFPAD, she holds advanced degrees in International Human Rights Law from Oxford University and International Affairs from American University. Academic Work: University of The Bahamas Faculty Profile Read More: OHCHR: The Road to Reparational Justice #PFPAD #GaynelCurry #HumanRights #Reparations #UnitedNations #Blackfluencers #DurbanDeclaration #CaribbeanVoice #GenderJustice #RacialEquity #GlobalAfricanDiaspora #DecadeForPeopleOfAfricanDescent