US Deeply Concerned About Racial Injustice & Inequities: Antony Blinken
US Secretary Mr Antony Blinken in a recent press statement said that their Administration is deeply dedicated to addressing racial injustice and inequities at home and abroad. On the global stage, the United States is leading by example.
Last month, the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights released a report on racism and police brutality against Africans and people of African descent at the hands of law enforcement around the world, which includes an examination of such cases in the United States. He said that as the President has repeatedly made clear, great nations such as the US do not hide from our shortcomings; it acknowledges them openly and strive to improve with transparency. In so doing, the US govt not only work to set the standard for national responses to these challenges, but also strengthens democracy, and gives new hope and motivation to human rights defenders across the globe.
In this context the United States has shown its intention to issue a formal, standing invitation to all UN experts who report and advise on thematic human rights issues. As a first step, the US has reached out to offer an official visit by the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism and the UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues and also welcome the UN Human Rights Council’s adoption today in Geneva of a resolution to address systemic racism against Africans and people of African descent in the context of law enforcement. Mr. Blinken further said that the US looks forward to engaging with the new mechanism to advance racial justice and equity.
Mr Blinken also said that the responsible nations must not shrink from the scrutiny of their human rights record; rather, they should acknowledge it with the intent to improve and urge all UN member states to join the United States in this effort and confront the scourge of racism, racial discrimination, and xenophobia. Because when all people – regardless of their race or ethnicity – are free to live up to their full potential, our collective security is strengthened. Pic courtesy nbcnews.com
