IN a damning revelation, a report released by the UN Human Rights Office on Tuesday underscores the enduring struggle faced by people of African descent in meaningfully participating in public affairs across numerous countries. The report attributes these challenges to ‘systemic racism, marginalisation, and exclusion, often rooted in the legacies of enslavement and colonialism.’
According to the report, ‘systemic racism continues to affect negatively people of African descent in all aspects of life,’ as stated by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The report further highlights the persistent issue of deaths among individuals of African descent during or after interactions with law enforcement, and it draws attention to the minimal progress made in addressing impunity. This lack of progress persists despite prolonged battles waged by families demanding accountability and competent resolution.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, ‘If systemic racism is to be overcome, states must accelerate action towards meaningful, inclusive, and safe participation for people of African descent in every aspect of public affairs.’
He emphasised that a critical starting point is for states to ensure that the needs, experiences, and expertise of people of African descent play a central role in policymaking, implementation, and evaluation. ‘Nothing about them without them,’ he added.
The report also showcases specific initiatives in certain nations aimed at encouraging the participation of people of African origin in public affairs. However, it acknowledges ongoing obstacles and highlights the absence of ‘a safe and enabling environment empowering people of African descent to participate and share their lived experiences and expertise to influence decision-making’ in several countries.
Turk expressed deep concern over the pervasive challenges faced by people of African descent and civil society actors of African descent, including racial abuse, discrimination, surveillance, harassment, intimidation, arrests, and violence. These issues continue to hinder meaningful, inclusive, and safe participation in public affairs in many countries.
The High Commissioner also issued a guidance note to States on effectively implementing the right to participate in public affairs, in which he emphasised the urgent need for targeted State action in this regard.
He called on States to unveil multipronged comprehensive evidence-based legal, policy and institutional approaches to dismantle systemic racism in all areas of life, including in law
enforcement.
‘Deaths during or after interactions with law enforcement continue to be reported, with insufficient progress towards accountability and redress,’ the High Commissioner said.
‘Stat
es need to take firm action to ensure justice and redress in these cases, and to put in place strengthened and independent oversight mechanisms. It is essential that they examine what role racial discrimination, stereotypes and biases play in law enforcement and accountability processes.’
The report is scheduled for formal presentation to the UN Human Rights Council on October 5, where global attention will turn to these critical issues in the ongoing fight against systemic racism and the quest for inclusive participation for people of African descent on a global scale.
