OHCHR and racism

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OHCHR and racism

“

Ending racism and all related forms of discrimination is vital. And it will help build a better world for all of us.

“

Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, February 2021

About racism and human rights                          

Racism and racial discrimination occur daily to millions of people around the world. Racism and intolerance destroy lives and communities. The United Nations has been concerned with this issue since its foundation, and the prohibition of racial discrimination is enshrined in all core international human rights instruments. When States ratify these instruments, they agree to obligations such as eradicating discrimination in the public and private spheres. States also agree to adopt special measures to eliminate conditions which cause or help to perpetuate racial discrimination. While progress has been made in overcoming racism worldwide, much remains to be achieved.

Our work on racism

The struggle against racism is at the heart of the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. OHCHR has direct responsibility for:

  • Taking stock of and monitoring progress on accountability and redress for racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
  • Coordinating the programme of activities for the International Decade of People of African Descent 2015-2024
  • Conducting thematic research and advocacy to address racism and racial discrimination
  • Supporting the UN anti-racism mechanisms
  • Supporting capacity of national authorities and other stakeholders to prevent and combat racism and racial discrimination

See examples and learn more about the work we do.

Calls for Input

Call for input for the preparation of the report of the UN Secretary-General pursuant to the UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/78/234 “A global call for concrete action for the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action”

Closed - see submissions

Call for inputs for the preparation of the report of the UN Secretary-General pursuant to the UN General Assembly resolution 77/205

Closed - see submissions

Call for inputs for the 2023 report of the United Nations Secretary-General on the implementation of the programme of activities of the International Decade for People of African Descent

Closed - see submissions
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Latest reports

A/HRC/57/67: Promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Africans and of people of African descent against excessive use of force and other human rights violations by law enforcement officers through transformative change for racial justice and equality / Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

A/HRC/54/4: Summary of the panel discussion on the negative impact of the legacies of colonialism on the enjoyment of human rights - Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

In its resolution 48/7, the Human Rights Council decided to convene, at its fifty-first session, a panel discussion on the negative impact of the legacies of colonialism on the enjoyment of human rights. During the panel discussion, which was held on 28 September 2022 in a hybrid format with virtual and in-person participation, panellists and speakers highlighted the impact of the legacies of colonialism on human rights, identified challenges in addressing this issue, and pointed to ways forward.

A/HRC/51/53: Promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Africans and of people of African descent against excessive use of force and other human rights violations by law enforcement officers through transformative change for racial justice and equality - Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Prepared pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 47/21, the present report contains information on developments and initiatives undertaken by States and others to address manifestations of systemic racism against Africans and people of African descent, including in the area of law enforcement, and to advance accountability and redress for victims, including for legacies of enslavement, the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and colonialism.

A/HRC/47/53: Promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Africans and of people of African descent against excessive use of force and other human rights violations by law enforcement officers

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Latest news

30 Jun 2023

Press briefing notes

Press briefing : France

30 Sep 2022

Press releases

UN report records piecemeal progress in combating systemic racism against people of African descent, insists on urgent need for transformative change

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Latest statements

02 Oct 2024

Statements

High Commissioner Türk : “An intersectional approach to systemic racism facing Africans and people of African descent can be a game changer”

19 Apr 2024

Statements and speeches

At Permanent Forum on African Descent, Türk urges strong action against racism and other colonial legacies

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Activities

Statement of the UN Anti-Racism Mechanisms delivered at the Meeting with the UN Secretary-General, UN HQ, New York
(UN Press release: Secretary General Discusses Anti-Racism Agenda with United Nations Experts)
26 October 2023

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