Systemic racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia have undermined human rights gains: UN experts

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
21 March 2023

GENEVA (21 March 2023) - On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, a group of UN experts issue the following Joint Statement:

“The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is all the more important this year, especially as we mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Systemic racism, racial discrimination and various forms of xenophobia around the world have undermined the universality of human rights and the gains made by humankind in ending enslavement, apartheid, colonial rule and discriminatory laws and practices.

To live in a world free of racism and discrimination, as envisaged by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights remains an unfulfilled agenda of the international community.

We call for strong political will to advance the global anti-racial discrimination agenda, in particular through the full and effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and the International Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, as well as strengthening of legislation and sound implementation aiming at combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

Member States must therefore urgently demonstrate collective action and forge consensus to combat racism and racial discrimination, including through constructive engagement at the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council, and with all the UN anti-racism mechanisms and bodies.

Member States now also need to show greater resolve and commitment to implement the extensive recommendations made by these mechanisms and bodies, and to address the current and historical challenges.

ENDS

*The experts: Ms. Epsy Campbell Barr, Chairperson, Permanent Forum on People of African Descent; H.E. Kadra Ahmed Hassan, Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Elaboration of Complementary Standards; Ms. Ashwini K.P., Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; Ms. Yvonne Mokgoro, Chairperson, International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in the context of Law Enforcement; Ms. Catherine Namakula (Chair), Ms. Barbara Reynolds (Vice-Chair), Ms. Dominique Day and Ms. Miriam Ekiudoko, Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent; Ms. Edna Maria Santos Roland, Chairperson, Group of Independent Eminent Experts on the Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action; H.E. Marie Chantal Rwakazina, Chairperson, Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, and Ms. Verene Shepherd, Chairperson, Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination