HRC54 - NB8 statement - Advancing Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement

Human Rights Council - 54th session

Item 9: Enhanced interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner and the International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement

Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries

5 October 2023

Mr. President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Finland.

We thank the High Commissioner for this important report. Participation of persons of African descent in public affairs is key for achieving racial justice. Without tackling racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, we cannot reach equal societies where human rights of all are respected, protected and fulfilled.

The report shows that despite many positive examples, we still have a long way to go, to considerably improve participation of persons of African descent and other underrepresented groups.  Ending multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination should be our goal for all persons of African descent, including women, children, persons with disabilities and LGBTQI persons. Attacks, both online and offline, against academics, human rights defenders and others, who bring injustices to light, must be confronted.

High Commissioner and members of the EMLER, how can we better address multiple and intersecting forms of racism, so that participation of all persons of African descent in public life can be improved?

I thank you.