Item 9 General Debate Statement
Statement as Delivered by Ambassador Michèle Taylor
Delegation of the United States of America
Human Rights Council – 49th Session
March 28, 2022
Thank you Mr. Vice President.
The United States warmly welcomes this opportunity to express our enduring commitment to countering racism and racial discrimination in all its forms, both at home and abroad. As UN Secretary General Guterres said last week, “racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life in every society.”
Discussion, though necessary, is not enough; we need action. The United States is proud to demonstrate our commitment to countering systemic racism in two key ways.
First, we are undertaking a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive approach to identify and address entrenched disparities in our laws and public policies and in our public and private institutions.
On his first day in office, President Biden signed a historic executive order, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities, which established that affirmatively advancing equity, civil rights, racial justice, and equal opportunity is the responsibility of the whole of our government.
Second, we are working to ensure those representing our country in our own institutions and as nominees to serve as independent experts on multilateral bodies reflect the full diversity of our country.
The United States is a unique tapestry of different races, ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds. That is what makes our country special. That is what makes us strong.
That is why President Biden delivered on his pledge to appoint the most diverse cabinet in history to better reflect the American people.
For far too long, racism and bias have prevented capable people from making their fullest contribution to society in the United States and globally.
Together, we must do better. Let us forge a more broad-based coalition of the willing to finally make progress on achieving true racial equity. It is well past time.
I thank you.