HRC 46- EU Intervention: International Decade for People of African Descent Commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Madam Chair,

Mid-February, during an ECOSOC Special Meeting on “Reimagining Equality” the UNSG warned that racism and racial inequality still permeate our institutions, social structures and everyday life, and underlined that we must dig deeper. Addressing a complex phenomenon such as racism is not a one-time exercise. As the world strives to recover from the pandemic, the UNSG called for a new social contract based on inclusivity and sustainability, and for greater political, cultural and economic investments in inclusivity and cohesion to harness the benefits of diversity rather than perceiving it as a threat. We must assert our common values of equality, non-discrimination, mutual respect – values that are deeply linked to the affirmation of human rights.

Madam President,

We have listened carefully to the UNSG. Millions of people continue to face racism and racial discrimination despite the existing legal instruments. It hinders their ability to reach their full potential as equal and active members of society, and entrenches racialised social exclusion. This is particularly the case for young persons and children, including of African Descent, as today’s panel has underscored. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated existing patterns of discrimination, and further exposed and sharpened structural inequalities. As the pandemic continues to unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that these underlying inequalities cause persons belonging to certain groups to be disproportionately affected.

Within the EU we put a lot of effort into advancing the fight against racism. Racial discrimination runs against our values and principles.

The recently adopted EU Anti-Racism Action Plan shows that the EU is committed to tackling the issue of racism on all fronts through positive and affirmative action and on the basis of an intersectional approach. Recently the European Commission also presented a Strategic Framework for Equality, Inclusion and Participation of Roma that will run until 2030.

Madam President,

It is only by mobilising forces at all levels, including institutions, civil society and the private sector, that we will make progress in tackling the scourge of racism in our society. What is the experience of the members of the panels in this regard?

Thank you.