Interactive Dialogue with the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent
Human Rights Council – 54th Session
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
As Delivered by Ambassador Michèle Taylor
Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
And thank you, Chairperson Campbell Barr, for your first annual report.
During the Second Session of the Permanent Forum this year, the United States reaffirmed its steadfast support for the Forum as a crucial space to promote collective engagement that addresses persistent inequities, which continue to affect people of African descent globally.
We commend the Forum for its work on addressing structural inequalities in transnational migration. Migrants, regardless of status or country of origin, deserve to be treated humanely and with dignity.
We also share the Forum’s concerns related to the profound negative effects of racism and racial discrimination on the health and well-being of people of African descent. Racial equity, health equity, dignity, and respect are driving forces behind our efforts to address health, well-being, and intergenerational trauma for all Americans.
The United States has made a historic $1.5 billion investment to grow and diversify our nation’s healthcare workforce and to bolster equitable healthcare. We are committed to healthcare access and healthcare provider education to address disparities that plague Black communities, including the unacceptably high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity that disproportionately effect Black mothers and families.
Chairperson Barr, what specific actions taken by states have proved effective in reducing healthcare access disparities for people of African descent?
I thank you.
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