UN human rights expert calls for ‘bold action’ to end systemic racism in Brazil
Special Rapporteur Ashwini KP said at the end of a 12-day fact-finding mission that members of racial and ethnic minorities in Brazil – including those of African descent and from indigenous groups – are experiencing “widespread manifestations of systemic racism, such as the legacy of colonialism and slavery”.
This form of racism has existed since the country was founded despite the persistent and courageous efforts of those who have been discriminated against, she said.
Identifying discrimination
Ms. KP praised the Brazilian government for acknowledging that racism is a systemic problem and for enacting a number of strong laws and regulations to combat it.
However, the expert said, “the lives of people of African descent, indigenous peoples, Quilombolas and Roma are often affected, in many cases irreparably, by entrenched racial violence and exclusion.”
She noted rights violations against indigenous and Quilombola groups including police brutality, mass incarceration, cultural and political exclusion, etc.
“The gravity of the situation requires the most urgent action. “We cannot wait, we must take bold and transformative action to dismantle systemic racism,” said Ms. KP.
Justice and Equality
The Special Rapporteur calls on the Government to acknowledge, confront and address the root causes, historical factors and regional disparities that give rise to racism and power imbalances.
She stressed the need for a restorative justice approach, noting that there are “significant gaps” in implementing laws and policies that effectively reduce racial injustice.
“People from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds have waited too long for justice and equality,” said Ms. KP.Life depends on bolder and faster action.“
She also called on the Government to allocate more resources to anti-racism activities and speed up change.
Special Rapporteurs are appointed by Human Rights Council to serve in their individual capacities, independent of the United Nations system and national governments. They are not employees of the United Nations and receive no salary.
