Enhanced ID with HC and International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
Delivered by Ambassador Michèle Taylor
Human Rights Council – 51st Session
Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Madam Acting High Commissioner, for your report and my thanks to the members of the panel for your personal and moving words.
The United States welcomes the ongoing dialogue in this Council on how we can all counter systemic racism and racial discrimination at home and abroad.
I especially appreciate that the High Commissioner’s report, while enumerating various shortcomings, also acknowledges the progress, continued efforts, and dedication to this issue in the United States.
We will continue our efforts to dismantle racial discrimination in law enforcement against people of African descent. We recognize the urgency and importance of this issue.
To aid in those efforts, the Department of State recently appointed its first ever Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice, Desirée Cormier-Smith. She was my co-head of delegation here in Geneva for our CERD presentation in August. Desirée leads our efforts to protect and advance respect for the human rights of persons belonging to marginalized racial and ethnic communities and to combat systemic racism, discrimination, violence, and xenophobia around the world.
Last year, the United States strongly supported the establishment of the Expert Mechanism to end human rights violations, systemic racism, and racial discrimination by law enforcement against people of African descent and other marginalized communities. We recognize the value that this mandate has already brought to the Council and on the ground where it matters most.
We look forward to your continued engagement and recommendations on these crucial issues.
I thank you.
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