The 51st Session of the Human Rights Council

12 September 2022 - 7 October 2022

General Debate Item 9 : Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action

4 October 2022 

Statement of the International Organization for Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (EAFORD) and Geneva International Centre for Justice

Delivered by Emily Bare

Thank you, Mr. President:

We are deeply concerned about the lack of commitment by States toward the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination and other intolerances. 

Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance continue to plague humanity. Regrettably, the lack of political will to advance the global anti-racism and anti-discrimination agenda continues to hamper the effective combating of racism and its effects. This lack of political will fuels racist and xenophobic tendencies in many parts of the world. 

Although the United States ratified the ICERD in 1994, it consistently fails to uphold its obligations. Recent data shows an increase in the death rates of people of African descent caused by police officers, in hate crimes against people of Asian descent since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, and in the rise of ideas of racial superiority.

Pervasive structural racism and systemic injustice in the United States continues to deny people their fundamental human rights, affecting generations of women, men, and children -  stripping them of their humanity.

EAFORD and Geneva International Centre for Justice believe that the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action into national legislation of each State is crucial. We urge States to address the complex legacy and lasting consequences of past forms of racism and exclusion, including colonial exploitation and enslavement.

Lastly, we commit ourselves to the ideal that diversity is a strength and not a threat to society.

Thank you.