Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement

International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in the context of Law Enforcement

In 2021, further to the presentation of the High Commissioner’s report on racial justice and equality which introduces a four-point agenda to end systemic racism and human rights violations by law enforcement against Africans and people of African descent, the Human Rights Council established the International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in the context of Law Enforcement.

About the mandate

The Expert Mechanism’s mandate is detailed in resolutions 47/21 and 56/13 It is established “in order to further transformative change for racial justice and equality in the context of law enforcement globally, especially where relating to the legacies of colonialism and the Transatlantic slave trade in enslaved Africans, to investigate Governments’ responses to peaceful anti-racism protests and all violations of international human rights law and to contribute to accountability and redress for victims”.

Learn more about the mandate

About the members

On 16 December 2021, the President of the Human Rights Council appointed Justice Yvonne Mokgoro; Dr. Tracie Keesee and Professor Juan Méndez to serve as experts on the Expert Mechanism. Justice Mokgoro served as chairperson of the Expert Mechanism. On 15 March 2024, after Justice Mokgoro resignation, the President appointed judge Akua Kuenyehia as new member and Chairperson.

Learn more about the experts