‘Broad impunity still exists’ for law enforcement violations against Africans and people of African descent: rights experts

Akua Kuenyehia, president Independent expert mechanism on promoting racial justice said, “Symptoms of systemic racism against Africans and people of African descent by law enforcement and within criminal justice systems remain widespread in many parts of the world. Gender and widespread impunity continue to exist.”

While also addressing the issue of “massive impunity,” experts explain that victims’ rights to truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-repetition are largely unmet.

Recommended changes

Following numerous reports of repeated police violence and misconduct, experts have recommended a variety of actions that Governments can take to ensure victims’ rights to access Access to justice, accountability and compensation.

Experts say countries should establish effective investigation and reporting procedures, independent, objective monitoring groups for law enforcement and independent measures to support victims and communities .

“This is long overdue,” said Víctor Rodríguez Rescia, an expert member of the mechanism. “It is time for States to invest in building strong institutions to effectively deliver justice, accountability and reparations to victims.”

Mr. Rescia added that States must effectively ensure victims’ right to compensation.

Report other racism

On Wednesday, experts will present report arrive Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, along with reports of country visits to Brazil and Italy.

Reports from the two countries further revealed racial discrimination against people of African descent, leading to racial profiling and police violence.

The reports also include recommendations on how State authorities can strengthen accountability for law enforcement in their respective countries.

About the expert mechanism

Experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council monitor and report on country-specific situations or thematic issues anywhere in the world.

The experts are not employees of the United Nations and are independent of any government or organization. They serve as individuals and do not receive salary for their work.