36th Meeting - 60th Session of Human Rights Council

Excellences.

Distinguished colleagues, I'd like to call to order the 36th meeting of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council. We will be starting the enhanced interactive dialogue with the High Commission, the international independent expert mechanism to advance racial justice and equality in law enforcement. It's a great honor to welcome Mr. Volker Turk, High Commissioner of Human Rights, who will be making the opening statement, and he's with us in person. I'd also like to extend a welcome to our distinguished speakers, namely, Madam Tracey Keasey, member of the Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement, in person. Madame Gabrielle Hemmings, representative of civil society, also with us in person, and Mr. MacMead Kamara, representative of civil society, all with us in person. The list of speakers will be closed in 15 minutes. It is now a great honor to give the floor to the High Commissioner for Human Rights for his opening statement. You have the floor, sir.

Mr. Vice President, distinguished delegates and participants, colonialism Enslavement and the trade in enslaved Africans are not just grim chapters of our common history. Their impact stretches into the present, fueling inequalities and perpetuating systemic racism against Africans and people of African descent. Across the world, people of African descent face entrenched barriers across many areas of life, including access to education, to healthcare, work, housing, policing, climate policy, and even in digital spaces. Racism and dehumanizing rhetoric still permeate our institutions, communities, and online platforms, and anti-racism laws and policies are not effectively implemented in several states. Systemic racism against Africans and people of African descent was built up over generations, and it can and must be torn down. Any meaningful attempts to end systemic racism must involve taking responsibility for the legacies of colonialism, enslavement, and the trade in enslaved Africans, and the harm caused must be repaired. Reparatory justice is about exposing and coming to terms with the truth of our common history, not erasing it, ignoring it, or rewriting it. So what does reparatory justice look like? There is no one size, size fits all formula. The report before you outlines the key elements of a comprehensive approach grounded in international human rights law. Such an approach includes a variety of measures to repair the legacies of the past and memorialize the suffering, resilience, resistance, and dignity of victims. Over the past several years, countries have taken action in different ways. Some governments have offered formal apologies to their own communities or to other states, including Belgium, Brazil, Germany, and the Netherlands. In some countries, truth-telling initiatives have produced research, and I urge them to turn their findings into concrete recommendations. In others, such as Colombia, France, Mauritius, Mexico, Qatar, Senegal, and South Africa, museums have been opened and commemorative days or months marked. In Belgium, Ghana, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Caribbean, for example, statues or place names linked to people involved in enslavement or colonialism have been identified, removed, or contextualized, while in some cases, we have also seen a rollback. Civil society groups are measuring the continuing impacts of the trade in enslaved Africans in the Americas and the Caribbean. Some individuals have claimed compensation before courts, which has helped strengthen public movements and foster political pressure for change. Other stakeholders, including museums, universities, religious groups, companies, and even banks, have researched, acknowledged and in some cases apologized for their links with the past. And I hope to see more initiatives like this and for all these stakeholders to participate in state-led measures. These are all important steps, but much more is needed. Because so far, no state has fully accounted for the harms of systemic racism, past and present. I see five areas which require urgent attention and that will help move the needle on reparatory justice. First, political commitment. States hold the power to tackle racial discrimination. The second International Decade for People of African Descent is an opportunity for political leaders to lead with concrete, creative action to advance reparatory justice. Second, genuine, continuous consultation with affected communities. For example, consulting them on the content, the timing, the place and delivery of a formal apology can make all the difference between an authentic apology that is welcomed or one that rings hollow. Africans and people of African descent in all their diversity, women in particular, need to guide the design and implementation of reparatory justice processes. They must be able to meaningfully and safely participate in decision-making processes and inform an intersectional analysis for effective responses. Third, cooperation. There is great value in countries coming together to promote and pursue reparatory justice across borders and regions, especially when their histories are connected by colonialism and enslavement. I'm encouraged by the growing number of such initiatives, including by the African Union and CARICOM. Fourth, full support for civil society organizations, especially when led by people of African descent. They have spurred states, the United Nations, and others to take bolder steps towards reparatory justice. They have often driven progress where governments have failed to act. I also encourage solidarity across equality and human rights movements, especially in these days of growing polarization and division. Building partnerships and learning from each other can inspire and unite. Finally, global reform to help correct historical exclusions Stronger African representation on the UN Security Council is an important step, as many nations were still under colonial rule when the system was created. Reforming development aid and financial systems would also ease crushing debt, enabling African economies to invest in education, health, and other essential needs. My office is a steadfast partner on this path. We support states in advancing the rights of people of African descent. We create spaces for active listening and dialogue with Africans and people of African descent, and we do everything in our power to help protect human rights defenders working on these issues. And we have a fellowship program for people of African descent that actually has huge, can have huge impact through a multiplying effect, and we keep in touch with our fellows. Repertory justice is also about shaping a new, more equal future. Reparations deliver justice, justice fosters trust, and trust unites our communities. We need to act boldly together to achieve these important goals. Merci beaucoup.

I'd like to thank the High Commissioner for that statement. I'd now like to give the floor to Madame Kisi for her presentation. You have five minutes, Madame.

Thank you. Distinguished President of the Council, esteemed High Commissioner, dear members of the panel, and excellencies. I'm honored to address the Human Rights Council representing the International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement. To date, the mechanism has produced four thematic and five country visit reports, held four annual sessions, transmitted 15 letters to member states on specific incidents and situations, among other activities you can find detailed in our annual reports. The mechanism would like to thank all of our partners, including states, national human rights institutions, civil rights organizations, and affected communities and individuals for their contributions to this year's report. It was through their participation in the call for inputs and the discussion held during our annual session last May, resulting in our current report. Systemic racism against Africans and people of African descent in the criminal justice system is pervasive. deeply entrenched and reinforced at every stage, from the initial police contact to post-conviction procedures. In our continuous interactions with affected communities and individuals, we receive information on widespread racial profiling, discriminatory prosecutorial practices, unequal access to fair trial guarantees, and harsher sentencing outcomes for Africans and people of African descent, compounded by a lack of legal representation and structural economic disadvantage. The historical origins of many legal and law enforcement institutions established during colonial rule or rooted in racial oppressive systems continue to shape contemporary practices. Racial stereotypes portraying Africans and people of African descent as inherently criminal not only influence individual decisions by police, judges, and prosecutors, but also distorts the entire justice systems. The overrepresentation of people of African descent in prisons and detention facilities across multiple countries is both a consequence and a symptom of systematic biases in criminal legal systems. All these violations are at high risk of increasing in the current global context. Addressing this injustice demands bold, systemic transformation. The evidence clearly shows that reforms must go beyond superficial policy adjustments and instead dismantle the structural foundations and co-create new safety systems. In the report we are presenting today, the mechanism identifies 12 key elements needed for a criminal justice system to free itself from racism and discrimination against Africans and people of African descent. These 12 elements include, among others, the elimination of racial profiling and discrimination and access to bail and parole, and fundamental issues such as adequate training, the use of disaggregated data, and the diversity and representation across the justice chain. They also include promising practices, such as racial and cultural impact assessments, sentencing reviews, or restorative justice measures with alternatives to incarceration. Further recommendations, such as shifting away from old narratives supporting policies that continue the war on drugs and adopting instead a human rights-based public health approach to drug policies, is also incorporated in our report. We call on states to implement these recommendations. We need to work together to overcome the issue of systemic racism against African and people of African descent in the criminal justice system. Mr. President, we would also like to thank Belgium for their genuine cooperation extended through our country visit conducted in June of this year. The mechanism is of the view that systemic racism against Africans and people of African descent in Belgium, as in many other countries around the world, is rooted in the legacies of enslavement and colonialism, which continue to shape our structures, institutions, and societal attitudes today. The denial of the existence of systemic racism by some is compounded by the amplification of racist and xenophobic rhetoric and the persistent portrayal of Africans and people of African descent as outsiders. The impact of these dynamics is visible across multiple sectors, including law enforcement and the criminal justice system, where instances of racial profiling and other violations, underrepresentation, and lack of accountability continue to erode community trust in institutions. The Mechanism expresses satisfaction at the willingness of the Belgian officials to engage in dialogue and to cooperate with us. We acknowledge the efforts taken to address racism, including in the context of law enforcement and the criminal justice system. The Mechanism looks forward to continuing to cooperate with Belgium to implement the recommendations in its report. Thank you, Mr. President.

Many thanks. I'd now like to give the floor to Madam Hemmings for her presentation. Five minutes.

Thank you, Chair. Distinguished panelists and participants, good afternoon. I am a Jamaican woman of African descent, a doctoral student, and an activist researching institutions, Caribbean development, and reparatory justice. It is from this perspective that I would like to briefly expound on the importance of reparatory justice. The High Commissioner highlighted the origins of underdevelopment in chattel enslavement and colonialism in his report. The Caribbean is a prime example. While others inherit generational wealth, the Caribbean region has inherited generational poverty. We have inherited under-resourced education systems, battling with child illiteracy, and understaffed and underfunded healthcare systems, treating patients who have a plethora of illnesses, including type 2 diabetes and hypertension. As Caribbean women, we have inherited a patriarchal society that manifests in one of the highest rates of violence against women and girls in the world. While dealing with all of this, we must then yearly brace ourselves for tumultuous natural disasters that threaten to and have flattened our territories. As a Caribbean history and development student, the historical records that speak of the objectification of African people, the drastic measures enslavers took to ensure enslaved Africans remained illiterate, the beating and rape of enslaved African women, the restrictions in our enslaved ancestors' diets, and the deliberate lack of funding for our ancestors who chose independence, leaves no doubt that these contemporary Caribbean realities are rooted in chattel enslavement and colonialism. How do you then place the onus on former colonies to create national and international conditions favorable to the realization of the right to development when at inception, they inherited conditions that institutionally were never meant to be favorable to them? As a principal of a reparatory justice advocacy group doing work with churches who undoubtedly participated in and benefited from chattel enslavement, I am aware of the acts of repair being engaged in by religious, as well as financial and higher education institutions. This, however, does not go far enough. States continue to deny the rightful demand for reparatory justice. As we advocate for it, we are told that our problems are rooted in fiscal mismanagement and corruption, as if this is endemic only to regions where people of African descent and other people of color make up the majority. Then when we are invited to or attempt to improve our conditions and other countries by migrating, we are met with systemic racism in these countries. This manifests in the prejudices in healthcare, housing, criminal justice, and academic systems, and the cries to return home as we do not belong. As a student in the United Kingdom, I am acutely aware of my privilege, especially when there are a lot less people of my ethnicity in my field. Let me be clear, the lack of representation there is not because we are lazy, criminal, or lawless. In fact, we are evidently resilient, making do with what we never had. This is the why. The why, really, is simply systemic racism introduced through colonialism and chattel enslavement, which continues to perpetuate the prejudices and lack of resources we fight against daily. This is our why for leading the call for reparatory justice. Thank you.

Many thanks. And I'd now like to give the floor to Mr. Kamara for his presentation. And again, you have five minutes.

Thank you very much, Mr. Vice President. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to this council. I bring you warm greetings from Africa and from Sierra Leone. But I want to start with a quote from Ida B. Wells, who once said that the way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them. Mr. Vice President, one of the many efforts of the reparatory justice movements globally is to illuminate the truth about Africans and about how Africans and people of African descent have been grossly and unjustly wronged for generations. It is also our aim to inform this council that the imperative for reparatory justice has never been more pronounced. We therefore welcome the High Commissioner's report and support the recommendations wholeheartedly. We call on Member States to take the recommendations seriously and act on them urgently. Mr. Vice-President, the discourse around reparations for historical crimes have emerged from the corridors into the mainstream. We are witnessing a global reckoning that will determine what could be the biggest human rights issue for the next century. So as an advocate, I'm encouraged by the High Commissioner's focus on reparatory justice for this session's report. I'm also encouraged by the High Commissioner's acknowledgment of the importance of education in reforming false historical narratives about Africans and people of African descent. This is why my organization, Reform Initiatives, is calling for reparatory justice education to replace human rights education. We believe that reparatory justice education is the pathway for addressing the lack of knowledge about the slave trade, colonialism, and their legacies. Mr. Vice President, we believe that for there to be genuine global equity, discussions and processes around reform of the current global systems and structures must take a reparatory justice lens. This means there should be no pussyfooting around when it comes to repairing systems that we all know require restructuring. We also believe that there can be no climate justice, no environmental justice, no economic justice if there is no reparatory justice and vice versa. We therefore agree with the High Commissioner's report that reparatory justice is multi-sectoral, multi-layered and multifaceted. This is why, as a movement, we support healing as a key component of the reparations process. because reparations without interracial and intraracial healing is incomplete and is a recipe for trauma in perpetuity. Your Excellencies, we acknowledge the increased role being played by the African Union, and we fully support the AU's decision to declare 2026 to 2036 as the Decade of Reparations and Justice. We urge the European Union to similarly declare this same period as the Decade of Reckoning and Repair. We also commend the AU's decision to establish a transcontinental framework, partnership framework between the African Union, CARICOM, and Latin American states. In addition, we commend the AU's decision to amplify the voices of the most affected communities in the reparatory justice advocacy efforts. I therefore call on member states to ensure that political and high-level discussions on reparations be accompanied by tangible actions that demonstrate genuine equity, full, fair representation, and marginalized voices. As I conclude, I call on member states to collaborate with civil society working on reparatory justice. Member states can establish national reparations secretariats and convene national, subregional, and international conferences on reparations. I also call on former colonial powers and those who profited and benefited from the enslavement of Africans to acknowledge their wrongdoings and make meaningful apologies for their crimes. They must undertake systemic and concrete measures geared towards racial repair, intersectional justice, and global equity. I thank you.

Many thanks, excellencies, distinguished colleagues. The list of speakers is now closed. As per our practice, we will now be hearing from the delegation of the country concerned, and I'd like to give the floor now to the distinguished representative of Belgium, Ambassador. You have five minutes.

Thank you, Vice-President, ladies and gentlemen, experts. Belgium would like to thank the expert mechanism for the quality of their report and indeed the excellent cooperation which we saw with them during their visit to Belgium June last. Welcome, experts, and to our country, as allowed Belgium to restate its attachment to the work of Council and the mechanisms it sets up. This visit also gave us an opportunity to shed light on efforts deployed by my country to combat racism. As indicated in the report, major challenges remain, and we're convinced that the recommendations made will be useful in order to address those. Ranging from rigorous registering of complaints with the police to adopting action plans against racism at all levels of power, including teaching colonial history in school curricula, Belgium deploys tangible efforts to combat effectively all forms of racism. Nobody should be a victim of discrimination, violence, or intimidation because of their origin or the color of their skin. My country has undertaken a range of actions vis-a-vis its own past. You've seen that and noted it in your report. I'd like to note the change in the names of streets and squares, contextualization of work in the public space and in museums, and also training on the colonial past. Belgium also has apologized to those children who used to be called mixed race for the injustice and the suffering that they faced. We continue to be constructively engaged and fully engaged on these issues. Far from denying the existence of racist incidents within the law enforcement apparatus, Belgium condemns them and takes all measures to ensure that perpetrators are accountable. The role of Committee P, which is an independent oversight body, which is an external one, oversight to the police is fundamental. More downstream, the local police is an essential player in preventing and strengthening the bond of trust with the people. We welcome these two good practices that have been recognized by the Mechanism, testifying to the commitment of my country to promote police who are respectful of fundamental rights. In addition, the Mechanism has mentioned specifically the key role of data collection to understand a societal phenomenon and, where necessary, effectively combat that. We would like to recall the serious work done by independent Belgian institutions who combat discrimination and promote equality. In addition, collation of police and judicial data is done in line with Directive 2013/13. Its revision will allow us to have a more precise recording and better identification of discriminatory violations. ensuring an enhanced follow-up of the phenomenon in our country. When it comes to combating racism, Belgium fully shares the importance of a meaningful partnership with those communities concerned, in this case African people as well as people of African descent. That is why my country supports, through structural funding, those organizations active in this area. Consultation with civil society as part of drafting new policies and action plans is a priority. Belgium would restate its tireless commitment to combating structurally and holistically against racism. It's a commitment based on key principles of equality and non-discrimination as per our constitution and our legal framework. Nationally, the federal government is committed to drafting an inter-federal action plan, which is a very ambitious one against racism, discrimination and intolerance. Internationally, my country shall continue to support efforts that will combat all forms of discrimination, including racism. We would also argue for rationalising those mechanisms responsible for combating racism, with a view to effectiveness of this council. This struggle requires and merits all our attention. Finally, dear experts, my country is committed to ensuring that your recommendations are conveyed to all the competent authorities in Belgium. It's important that the work of the UN mechanisms go above and beyond the diplomatic framework and are echoed within the ministries and experts responsible for their implementation. Many thanks.

Thank you.

I now call on interested delegations to ask questions of the panellists and make comments on their presentations. The speaking time is two and a half minutes for all. I call on the delegation of Sweden on behalf of a group of countries.

Mr. Vice-President, I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. We thank the High Commissioner and the International Independent Expert Mechanisms for their reports. Our engagement in efforts to eliminate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance remains resolute. Tackling these challenges is a shared priority moving forward. A human rights-based approach is key to confronting racism in all its forms. While we cannot undo the injustices of the past, we have a shared responsibility to address their negative legacies. We must ensure that these efforts are grounded in human rights, in the principles of non-discrimination, equal treatment under law, and respect for individual human rights. These principles all developed as antidotes to oppression, and upholding them is essential if we are to meaningfully address both historical injustices and ongoing human rights violations. We recognize that women, persons with disabilities and LGBTIQ persons often face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and barriers, which must be addressed as part of a broader effort to combat racism. We agree that inclusion, representation, and participation is essential. Distinguished members of the expert mechanism, can you please share some best practices on how states can best address the negative legacies of historic injustices in an inclusive and transformative way?

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on the European Union.

Mr. Vice President, Madam Chair, The European Union thanks the expert mechanism for its latest report on how to fight impunity. While we understand the difficulty of covering a wide diversity of criminal justice systems worldwide, we share the belief that any system of justice must respect the right to a fair trial of everyone without discrimination. It is therefore alarming that this is still part of the experiences faced today by too many individuals, including Africans and people of African descent. In the European Union, we are taking this issue very seriously. Trust in public officials, law enforcement, police and security forces, and the criminal justice system is essential for a functioning society and is a precondition for social cohesion. The underreporting of hate crimes, racial and ethnic discrimination, and other related incidents is partly related to a lack of trust in the responsible authorities. To help addressing the issue, the EU has adopted new rules to complement the Racial Equality Directive, requiring all Member States to provide equality bodies with stronger powers to assist victims of discrimination. The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training offers trainings which include a strong focus on police stops and searches and racial profiling. The EU remains committed to furthering this work with all actions needed to work to eradicate discrimination from our criminal justice systems. I thank you.

Thank you.

I call on Ghana on behalf of the African Group.

Mr. Vice President, the African Group thanks the High Commissioner for the enlightening report. The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action acknowledges that Africans and people of African descent were victims of slavery, the slave trade and colonialism, and continue to be victims of their consequences. international framework recognizes that slavery and slave trade were crimes against humanity and should always have been so, especially the transatlantic slave trade. It is deplorable that to date no state has comprehensively accounted for the past or for the current impact of systemic and institutionalized racism. There has never been an acknowledgement of the responsibilities of states and others that had engaged in or profited from and that continue to profit from the legacy of enslavement, the trade in enslaved Africans, and colonialism. We are deeply concerned at the resurgence of violent manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance precipitated by the scientifically false, morally deplorable, socially unjust, and dangerous ideologies, such as white supremacy, as well as by extremist, nationalist, and populist ideologies. For this reason, we continue to engage states and other regions to engage with and support the initiatives of the African Union relating to reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent, with a view to identifying and fulfilling their responsibilities concerning reparations for slavery and colonialism in Africa and throughout the diaspora.

I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you, South Africa.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. South Africa thanks the High Commissioner for the instructive report. My delegation welcomes the efforts by the High Commissioner and we align ourselves with the statement just delivered by Ghana on behalf of the African Group. South Africa supports the view that reparatory justice requires a multi-pronged approach that is context-specific, intersectional, grounded in international human rights law and designed through meaningful consultation. And with participation of people of African descent. In this regard, we emphasize the importance of a renewed sense of leadership and political will to develop effective and comprehensive reparatory justice responses to legacies of historic injustice. My delegation will continue to support the efforts by this Council to keep the issue of reparations on its agenda. by, among others, encouraging States to provide an enabling and safe environment by reaffirming their commitment to fighting racial injustice and protecting those working on combating systemic racism and reparatory justice. We are concerned that 60 years after the adoption of ICERD and almost 25 years since the adoption of the DDPA, convergence on the questions of reparations remains elusive.

I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Senegal.

President, the data within the report provided by the mechanism are implacable and alarming. In many regions of the world, racial discrimination against people of African descent is omnipresent in the criminal justice system. Senegal condemns this practice, which seriously undermines fundamental rights and freedoms, and emphasizes the need for a collective response to ensure true equality in the application of the law everywhere. Given the inhuman consequences of systemic racism, my country calls on the international community to strengthen multilateral frameworks for cooperation to ensure equality in application of the law, including the comprehensive implementation of the Durban Declaration. Senegal's constitution enshrines equality of all citizens before the law, without distinction according to origin, race, religion, or social status. In line with its international commitments and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, my country seeks to provide justice that is equitable, accessible, and impartial. Senegal believes strongly that impartial, equitable justice is the basis of the rule of law, democracy and sustainable development. In conclusion, my country reiterates its support to the global call to action launched by the Secretary General of the United Nations to dismantle systemic racism, promote racial justice and strengthen participation at all levels of decision making. Thank you.

Thank you. Sierra Leone.

Mr. Vice President, Sierra Leone Alliance is here with the statement of the African Group. We thank the High Commissioner for Human Rights and all relevant stakeholders for ongoing efforts to address systemic and structural discrimination within the policing and law enforcement sector globally. We welcome the panelists, among whom Mr. Kamara of the Resolve Reform Initiative are competitive. As a post-conflict country, Sierra Leone recognizes the importance of fostering public trust in law enforcement institutions. We emphasize the equality, fairness, and accountability in policing are vital for safeguarding human rights, preventing abuses, and promoting social cohesion. Our decades-long Police Act 1964 is currently being reviewed with the aim of making legislation more human rights-focused and aligning it with international best practice. Additionally, we are implementing routine training programs for our police force to enhance professionalism and accountability. We're deeply concerned about the ongoing prevalence of racial profiling, discriminatory practices, and unequal treatment by law enforcement authorities worldwide. As these undermine the law, the rule of law and the fundamental rights of marginalized communities. Meaningful reform requires comprehensive training, community engagement, robust oversight mechanisms, and strengthened legal and institutional frameworks. We call for sustained, collaborative, and evidence-based efforts to eliminate discrimination, ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect under the law.

Thank you.

Thank you, Colonel Amenia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Armenia thanks the expert mechanism for its continued work in advancing racial justice and equality in law enforcement. The protection of human rights and the fight against discrimination remains central to Armenia's national agenda. Under 2023-2025 action plan of our national strategy for human rights protection, Armenia has launched comprehensive training programs for judges, investigators, prosecutors, and police officers on non-discrimination and equality of rights. These trainings aim to strengthen institutional capacity and align practices with international legal standards. The action plan also mandates the development of investigative guidelines for cases involving discrimination, hate speech, and hate crimes. We believe that law enforcement must serve as a guardian of rights, not as a source of fear. Armenia remains committed to fostering inclusive institutions and promoting equality through reform, dialogue, and international cooperation. Thank you.

Thank you. Cameroon.

Cameroon.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Jamaica welcomes the panelists, including Ms. Hemmings of Jamaica, for their presentations. And we thank the High Commissioner for his report. My delegation reaffirms our commitment to advancing racial justice and reparatory justice. We welcome the High Commissioner's reports, the recognition therein of Jamaica's engagement, including the repatriation of the 170-year-old Jamaican giant Gallywasp and the public apology issued by religious authorities and business enterprises. These actions reflect growing momentum for accountability and redress and should be emulated by other relevant actors. Jamaica supports efforts to decolonize curricula and promote historical truth, including through initiatives such as a reparatory justice master's program between the University of the West Indies and the University of Glasgow. Education and memorialization are central elements to reparatory justice, lest we forget. In closing, Jamaica calls on all stakeholders to move from acknowledgment to implementation. Reparatory justice must be pursued with urgency, purpose, and collective resolve.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Kuwait.

Thank you, Vice President.

We reaffirm our commitment to equality in the application of the law, in line with our constitution. Fair and transparent application of the law guarantees state stability and public trust in the state. We have focused on developing our legislative and judicial system, revising laws, amending those that are not in line with international standards, repealing certain criminal provisions, raising the age of marriage to 18 and protecting vulnerable groups against violence. We have done that work to strengthen justice and equality in the application of the law, which must be universal. without selectivity or double standards, to ensure the respect and sovereignty of the people. Kuwait reiterates its readiness to work with the international community for security, peace and sustainable development for all. Thank you.

Thank you, Gambia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. The Gambia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Ghana on behalf of the Africa Group and thanks the panellists for their insights. Five or more decades after most African states gained political independence, it is disheartening to note that the legacy of colonial-era legal and law enforcement practices continue to perpetuate systemic racism among affecting Africans and people of African descent at every stage of the criminal justice chain in many states around the world. The large discrepancy between people of African descent and other ethnic groups in prisons is an indictment of the criminal justice system in these states. We also note with concern the exacerbation of racial discrimination resulting from the use of artificial intelligence algorithms in policing and in the criminal legal system. We welcome the good practice initiatives in some of these countries aimed at addressing the systemic injustices of the criminal justice system, however. We equally welcome the report's practical recommendations aimed at ensuring criminal justice systems are accountable, inclusive, and rights-based, including full respect for the Nelson Mandela Rules. Finally, Mr. Vice President, we would welcome the panelists' views on the most practical entry points for states to begin implementing the 12 recommendations outlined in the report.

Thank you.

Thank you, Ikhwan Brazil.

Mr. Vice President, Brazil thanks the expert mechanism to advance racial justice for its report. We agree that systemic racism against people of African descent in the criminal justice is pervasive, deeply entrenched, and reinforced at every stage. The Brazilian government is actively working to change this reality, which is rooted in our nation's history of colonialism and slavery. We are addressing this issue through a multifaceted approach. We have established the Secretariat of Access to Justice to implement racially conscious policies within the justice system. The National Secretariat Against Drugs is also confronting the disproportionate impact of war on drugs on Black communities. As mentioned in the report, the National Council of Justice, which monitors the work of courts and tribunals, has approved in 2024 a protocol on adjudication with a racial perspective. Furthermore, the Black Youth Alive program takes a holistic approach to prevent at-risk Black youth from entering the criminal justice system. by reducing violence and incarceration rates. Madam independent expert, how memory and justice can be used as tools to reform criminal justice system?

I thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you, President.

We welcome the report of the expert mechanism. All countries must remove racism from their criminal justice systems, ensuring that there are no arbitrary detentions and that accountability prevails. All forms of racism and racial discrimination must be eliminated. Our constitution provides for equality of all and provides equal rights to all residents in our country in the context of the rule of law. We have adopted an organic law to combat racial discrimination and accountability prevails. We have outlawed racial profiling. Islamophobia and xenophobia, as well as racist abuses of all forms, must be eliminated. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Colombia.

Thank you, President. We welcome the presentation of the report. Colombia strongly supports the work of the expert mechanism. seeking to remove racism and provide racial justice in law enforcement. This is needed to respond to peaceful protests against racism and violations of international human rights law. Abuses by law enforcement must be investigated. Colombia has invited the expert mechanism to visit the country in 2026. We hope to make progress on effective guarantees of rights and promotion of racial justice. We have a transitional justice court, the special jurisdiction for peace in our country, which was established by the 2016 peace agreement. There are judicial investigations of crimes during the armed conflict. has lasted over 50 years. One of these is the 09 case against ethnic minorities. And it would be very, our institutions and the Colombian people would very much welcome the input of the expert mechanism on this in order to achieve peace based on respect for human rights. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on UNICEF.

UNICEF welcomes the reports of the High Commissioner and the International Independent Expert Mechanism and.

Echoes their call to dismantle systemic racism and advance reparatory justice through inclusive processes. Children of African descent continue to face grave violations of their rights.

Including racial profiling, excessive use of force by law enforcement, and unequal access to justice. These injustices, rooted in historic legacies of enslavement and colonialism, undermine children's rights and perpetuate systemic inequality.

Reparatory.

Justice offers a powerful opportunity to confront structural racism and advance shared progress, and states should ensure that these processes.

Are guided by Africans and people of African descent through meaningful consultations, including with children. By taking inclusive action, including social behavior change, states can demonstrate that reparatory justice dismantles systemic racism, strengthens societies, and.

Secures futures where all children thrive.

UNICEF emphasizes the importance of safe child participation to ensure that outcomes are effective, sustainable, and age appropriate. We stand ready to support states in establishing child-sensitive justice systems with procedures that promote children's rights, ensure access to justice, and protect child victims with the best interests.

Of the child at the core.

UNICEF calls on states to fully implement their international human rights law obligations and ensure reparatory justice processes are child-sensitive, intersectional, and firmly grounded in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Bolivia.

Vice-President, we welcome the reports and the emphasis on reparatory justice as a key element in dismantling systemic racism. It is emphasised that slavery and trafficking, as well as colonialism, are crimes against humanity that lead to structural racism and racial violence. We emphasise the responsibility of states and other actors and agree that reparation helps not only victims but also strengthens society as a whole. how to address broader dimensions such as environmental injustices, underdevelopment and economic exclusion. These all have their roots in colonial practices and slavery. We emphasise the link with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice and reparation, as well as guarantees of non-recurrence, in analysing the need to examine serious human rights violations during the colonial period. Memorialization and educational measures as reparatory tools are key to reconciliation and the creation of fair, equal, caring societies.

Thank you.

Thank you. I go on Indonesia.

Mr. Vice President, we thank the High Commissioner and the Expert Mechanism for their reports. Indonesia firmly rejects systemic racism in all its forms and stand in solidarity with Africans and people of African descent in their struggle for equality and justice. We are deeply concerned about the impact of racial discrimination on criminal justice system and on the treatment by authorities in states with a history of slavery, the transatlantic trade and colonialism. Such practices are not only breaches of individual rights, but also structural barriers to equality and social cohesion. Indonesia reaffirmed that all citizens are equal before the law and must be protected from racial and ethnic discrimination. We support the High Commissioner's call for renewed leadership and vision, and a comprehensive reparatory justice as a critical step in dismantling systemic racism. Without meaningful disruption of policies and practices, generations of Africans and people of African descent remain vulnerable to discrimination, violence, and denial of their rights to development. Finally, we reiterate that eliminating discrimination and its impact requires the full realization of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights for all. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Malawi.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. Malawi aligns itself with the statement by the African Group. We thank the High Commissioner for Human Rights for the report, which timely examines the calls for reparatory justice towards transformative change for racial justice and equality. The report also highlights the role of states, businesses, civil society, and the academia in confronting legacies of enslavement, the trade in enslaved Africans, and decolonialism, including dismantling structures and systems that perpetuate systemic racism at all levels. Malawi believes that reparatory justice is an essential ingredient for dismantling, obtaining systemic racism, for transforming relationships of discrimination and inequity, and for mutually committing to and investing in a future of dignity and equality. We agree that the process has to be grounded in international human rights law and meaningful consultation with the people of African descent. Malawi, therefore, subscribes to the call for states and other actors to build support for reparatory justice. I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you, Federal Russian Federation.

Mr. President, we have carefully examined the expert mechanisms report. The examples given in it of abuses by law enforcement and the judiciary against people of African descent are a source of concern. Racial profiling in the judicial system is a symptom of a more serious and deep-seated disease in society, an ugly manifestation of systemic racism rooted in structures of state power. visible, in particular, particularly in countries with a colonial past, and in many ways, a consequence of persistent negative stereotypes and prejudices dating from the time of enslavement of the African peoples. Equality in the justice and law enforcement systems is a systematic, multidimensional goal that requires not only improvement of the legislative framework and reform of law enforcement and the judiciary, but also systematic work to change public attitudes to people of African descent, based on respect for human dignity, fairness and equality for all. We are convinced that to achieve these goals, there needs to be a systematic approach based on the protection and promotion of all rights of people of African descent.

Thank you.

Thank you. Venezuela, you have the floor.

Thank you, Vice-President, and we welcome the submission of this report and its conclusions and recommendations. We have consolidated a socialist and humanist society implementing mechanisms to prevent, eradicate, and sanction all forms of racial discrimination, ensuring that all people can fully enjoy their human rights on a condition of equality. We have an organic law against racial discrimination. In Article 5, it says that anybody who's been discriminated against racially, marginalized in one of its individual collective rights, protected under the law of equal conditions, and the public authority has to assist them free of charge. The organic law and the Fatherland Plan also guarantees equal conditions for everyone in access to justice. Currently, the impact of the unilateral coercive measures have a terrible impact on the people who suffer from these illegal actions, including people of African descent. We'd urge the mechanism to call out these illegal measures and call for its eradication.

Many thanks, President.

Thank you. Iran, you have the floor.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem. Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Islamic Republic of Iran condemns all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, Islamophobia, Afrophobia, and related intolerances. We remain committed to combating these challenges at the national and international levels.

We echo the finding of the International Independent Expert Mechanism in its report.

Which exposes systemic racism against Africans and people of African descent in criminal justice systems worldwide. In this regard, Iran supports the call for the effective implementation of 12 key elements proposed by the mechanism.

To ensure a racism-free criminal justice system. Iran underscores the necessity of establishing comprehensive reparatory mechanism, incorporating independent oversight, effective redress, financial compensation, public apologies, and systemic reforms to ensure just and adequate.

Reparation for African-descendant victims and the heirs of slavery victims, as recognized in the UN expert statement. Iran reaffirms that it has enacted and continue to rigorously implement its own anti-discrimination laws as part of its commitment to justice and equality.

I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. China, you have the floor.

Mr. Present. China has noted reports by the High Commissioner for Human Rights and International Independent Expert Mechanism expresses deep sympathy for and regret over the injustices faced by ethnic minorities. We are serious concerned about continued systematic structural racism in countries including the US, UK, and Canada. Ethnic minorities, including people of African descent, Asian descent, Muslims, and indigenous peoples, have suffered a series of unfair, unjust treatment in law enforcement, judicial procedures, including unreasonable searches, excessive sentencing, detention, prison, violence, right to fair trial, even right to health and life in serious violation. Certain countries still cling to colonialist, hegemonic mindsets. Instead of facing up to their own problem, use human rights as a pretext to slander, discredit other countries. Such practice run counter to international community efforts to is racial discrimination, respect, and protect human rights. China urges countries concerned comprehensive review and change their discriminatory laws, policies, measures, especially to carry out thorough reforms of their law enforcement judicial system, conduct in-depth investigation into relevant cases, hold accountable those responsible for law enforcement interests, provide compensation to victims.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you, Vice President. We welcome the fact that this clearly reflects racial discrimination, which is institutionalized police brutality and the judicial system, which seems to be biased against people of African descent in the US. For years, Cuba denounced this, whereas the US wanted to set itself up as the paradigm of democracy, criticizing others, as the report says. In the US, people of African descent detained and arrested far more than others. It's selective, and this is something which comes down on freedom of expression. People of African descent are six times more likely to be arrested for a serious offense, and including harsher sentencing, including death sentencing. People of African descent represent 33% of detainees in the US, although they're only 12.4% of the population. Prison sentences handed down on children of African descent are harsher than on white children. The US is the only country that hasn't ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This is a worrying scenario, exacerbated by policies which exacerbate poverty, including fines on people who are begging because they're forced to do that. This is targeting racialized communities, perpetuating discrimination, undermining human rights and social justice. Many thanks.

Thank you, Cameroon.

Thank you. We would like to say that we welcome the interactive dialogue, the enhanced interactive dialogue, it allows us to assess progress in implementing the DDPA. We welcome the quality of this report, as well as that of the independent experts. It sheds light on the persisting manifestations of racism, particularly in the judicial system and in the law enforcement system, setting out real solutions for this. We feel that combating racism and racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance has to be part of a global approach. It involves looking at the history and ensuring that we have policies suited to national contexts. Cameroon is pursuing its efforts to strengthen its legislative framework to combat discrimination, ensuring equality of all before the law, promoting social coexistence. Our country is also showing international solidarity in this regard. In order to draft a UN declaration on the rights of people of African descent, we would like to say that we feel there needs to be a frank, honest dialogue on this important subject and good practices. This is vital, a prerequisite for peace, development and equality for all. Thank you.

Thank you, excellencies, distinguished colleagues. That was the last speaker on my list, so we will now move on to the list of NGOs. And I'd like to give the floor to Association Jeunesse en Sesion Solidarite. Absent. International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination of the floor.

Thank you. We thank the independent expert for their work on this important issue and the Council for their continued efforts in tackling the issue of racial discrimination. However, we remain concerned about the exponential rise in hate speech towards different racially marginalized groups that ultimately correlates to the rise in hate crime. Across different countries, people of African descent continue to be victims of racial injustices, and the systems in place that should be aimed at protecting them, pose to be the very systems that subject them to these injustices. People of African descent continue to face injustices within the justice system at all stages of trial, and this includes stereotypes that will often lead them to their mistreatments. Patrick Leola. Tonya Massie, and many other black people have been victims of excessive use of force and blatant discrimination because of their skin color. We cannot afford to continue to have black lives, human beings, be statistics any longer. Human rights require all of us to be regarded as humans, and this includes persons of African descent. Therefore, we ask the Council and the international community to further push for the dissemination of information addressing the root causes of prejudice against persons of African descent. Additionally, we urge that States address the issues of discrimination at all stages of trial to ensure a just and fair trial for all persons, regardless of their race and all other discriminatory factors. Finally, we urge that States fully implement the DDPA to further ensure that there are measures in place to ensure the safeguarding of all rights for all people, but also ensuring the protection of rights of all people of African descent. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Gilles Le Dercq.

My name is Gabriel Dantas, and I speak on behalf of the Black Woman Institute from Brazil. Reparatory justice is impossible if bodies keep being killed, especially Afro-descendant bodies. There is no development without life. EMIL's work shows that dismantling structural racism in law enforcement is central to any reparatory agenda. We urge Member States to implement AMER's guidance on reparations in law enforcement contexts. This is a democratic imperative. Democracy must be real, not rhetorical. We must stand against political projects that instrumentalize racism. Where far-right, securitarian agendas advance, lethal outcomes rise. For instance, In Brazil, while national indicators saw a modest decline, police lethality in Sao Paulo has more than doubled. Mainstreaming anti-racism safeguards both lives and institutions. Last but not least, we call on States to fully implement the GDPA as a form of reparations. I thank.

You.

Thank you. International Service for Human Rights, you have the floor.

ISHR and UNARC welcome the High Commissioner's and MLR's report, particularly in relation to reparatory justice. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to reparatory justice. Initiatives should be grounded in the history and the local context. A comprehensive approach should consider the links between the past and the present by dismantling structures designed and shaped by the legacies of the past. We welcome the ongoing efforts by several UN mechanisms to address reparations, as well as the AU Year and Decade of Reparations. We highlight the former Sr. on Racism's powerful 2019 report on reparations, which underlines the legal obligations related to the granting of reparations for which states are fully responsible today. In this context, we call on states to, one, fully implement the DDPA as a form of reparations. Two, implement migration policies centering human rights and non-discrimination. Three, follow the recommendations published by the UN special procedures, including EMMLER, concerning reparations and justice in the context of law enforcement. Four, implement measures to protect persons facing intersectional discrimination. such as African and Afro-descendants who are at higher risk of torture and ill-treatment when in contact with state officials. Five, guarantee Haiti's right to reparations, including the financial resources captured by former colonial powers. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I'll now give the floor to Human Rights Watch. This is a video statement.

Your present, Human Rights Watch welcomes the OHCHR's timely report calling on governments and private institutions to urgently deliver comprehensive, rights-based, and community-centered reparatory justice to address both historical and ongoing harms related to colonialism and enslavement. These measures are essential to dismantling persistent systemic racism. Human Rights Watch has documented the impacts of ongoing abuses and injustices linked to these legacies while seeking to amplify the voices of communities calling for reparations. Whether it is the Chagossian people who are still denied reparations after being forcibly displaced from their homeland by the UK and the US, Namibian communities who are still fighting for reparations from former colonial power Germany to address its colonial legacy, or Black people in the US who are currently fighting against government attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion while still being denied reparations lasting impacts of the US's legacy of enslavement. We see communities' calls for reparatory justice going unanswered. We urge governments with legacies of enslavement and colonialism to implement the recommendations outlined in the report, especially the recognition of the right to reparations as applicable to addressing these legacies and to dismantling enduring systemic racism and inequalities. The report also emphasizes that affected communities must be meaningfully involved from the outset until the end of any reparatory process. Achieving reparatory justice is not a matter of charity, but an obligation under international human rights law and standards.

Thank you.

I now go to the floor to Amnesty International.

Mr. President, Amnesty International welcomes the report of the High Commissioner and fully supports the call for reparatory justice for the legacies of enslavement, the trade in enslaved Africans, and colonialism. We agree with the High Commissioner that reparatory justice is not only essential to repair past wrongs, but is key to dismantling present systemic racism. We call on all states that engaged in and profited from the enslavement and colonization of Africans, people of African descent, and indigenous peoples to redress these historic wrongs and their ongoing legacies. We urge states to ensure that affected communities are at the center of any reparatory justice process and to guarantee their full participation at every stage. It is not possible to remedy past injustices in a truly restorative manner when those affected are not meaningfully included in the process. As the High Commissioner's report recognizes, rendering them invisible can result in renewed victimization. Amnesty International also welcomes the report of the expert mechanism. As the mechanism notes, systemic racism against Africans and people of African descent continue to permeate every stage of the criminal justice system. We call on states to urgently implement the mechanism's 12 key elements for a criminal justice system free from racial discrimination. We welcome the mechanisms recognition that the use of artificial intelligence, including predictive tools in policing and the criminal legal system, risks reinforcing systemic racism in policing. We reiterate our calls to states to ban the use of artificial intelligence in predictive policing. Thank you.

Thank you. I'd now.

Like to give the floor to Alizka Relief Foundation, a video statement?

Thank you, Mr. President. Eliska Foundation note the increasing suffering of Africans, whether descendant of Africans subject to the slave trade and slavery or descendant of African migrants, from the violation of discrimination, racism, and racial injustice. Statistics documents shows that nearly 50% of African descendants in European Union suffer from racism, discrimination in their daily lives. The foundation also confirmed the prevalence of violation among law enforcement agencies and their personnel. To the extent I can be said that 50% of police stops of people of African descendants were based on racism. This is evidenced by the reality of Africans in the United Kingdom, where people of dark skin are stopped at least six times more than the white people, including African migrants and the people of African descendants. The Liska Foundation recommend that the High Commissioner and the expert mechanism encourage with the European Union and the United Kingdom legal reform that recognizes African rights to protect from discrimination and racism. and enhance their access to complaints and reporting mechanism.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I now give the floor to Association des Femmes pour la Lutte contre la Pauvreté.

Absent.

Absent, in which case I move on to Society for Development and Community Empowerment. Also absent. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, that was the last speaker on the list of NGOs. I'd now like to hand back to the panellists. You have 3 minutes each. I'd like to start with Mr. Cammeroy. You have 3 minutes.

Thank you very much, Mr. Vice President. I want to use this opportunity to thank the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section in the UN for giving us this opportunity to share our concerns and our message to this Council. There are a number of things that have been said here, and a key one that I want to just reiterate is the need for consultation and coordination. And as a civil society organization, we believe that the footsteps of one person cannot cause a stampede. So we call for collaboration and coordination between civil society and governments. We believe that there should be a connection between what happens within the conference rooms and what happens on the field, which is why later this month we will be hosting the first Africa Reparations Festival in Nairobi on the 22nd and 23rd of October to socialize the issue of reparatory justice and to ensure that people of African descent within Africa and outside of the continent are able to engage with this issue. We also want to make a number of points around the framing that we are using at reform initiatives to advance reparatory justice. We call it the six R principles. The first R is about reconnection and reclamation. We want to reconnect people who have been separated as a result of the enslavement of Africans, and we want to reclaim that which was stolen from us. The second R is around re-education, re-education and re-conscientization. We want to re-educate our people about the false narratives about Africans and people of African descent that has been perpetuated for centuries. The third R is repair and reform. We want to repair and reform the systems and structures that continue to subjugate and dominate Africans and people of African descent. The fourth R is about resistance, resistance that come in different shapes and form. We want to resist the backlash that will come as a result of the fight back for those who are, who continue to hold on to power and don't want to let go. We will resist as Africans and people of African descent together and in community with leaders in the various affected societies. And our fourth, fifth, and final R is rebuilding and reimagining. We believe that if we reconnect and reclaim our stolen assets, we reeducate our people, we repair the systems and reform those that have been broken, we resist, we can rebuild and reimagine a future that is built on justice, accountability, healing, and dignity. Thank you.

Thank you. I'd now like to give the floor now to Madam Hemmings.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. There are several misconceptions regarding reparatory justice. For clarity, let me then reiterate that reparatory justice is not rooted in begging for handouts, entitlement, or a lack of accountability for our realities. While most of us here hopefully understand this position, that is not the case for the wider societies of all our states, particularly in the context of former colonial powers. Thus, While there are a plethora of approaches, one of the best practices of reparatory justice that can help to combat this is truth speaking through the rightful and accurate recounting of our histories, not from a Eurocentric or Western-centric perspective, but from one that is rooted in the truthful telling of the experiences of victims of colonialism, the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, chattel enslavement, and the contemporary continuing legacies. This will help to buttress the movement for reparatory justice and nudge complicit parties to engage in reparatory justice as an answer to the discriminatory and unequal global and national systems that have left post-colonial regions like the Caribbean, Africans, and people of African the world, starting 20 steps behind their former colonizers and enslavers. Therefore, I conclude by saying this: States cannot truthfully support an end to systemic racism and criminal justice reform if we are not willing to, through a victim-centered and led reparatory justice approach, address the historic and continuing harmful legacies that post-colonial societies, Africans, and people of African descent face today. Thank you.

Thank you. I acknowledge the floor to Madam Casey. You have the floor.

Thank you. I want to just, on a side note, I believe it was Sweden that was asking the question about what is the best practices for engaging for folks who want to talk about how to repeal on history. I will tell you to start with the folks that you are wanting to have that conversation with or doing it for. Please make that step to sit down and ask them what that should look like and feel like. And I'll be at the side if you want to have an ongoing conversation around that. The mandate entrusted to us, to EMLR, by the Council can only be realized with the full impact and input of affected communities and individuals, with full cooperation of the member states. I would like to thank the member states and civil society representatives for their comments on the work of the mechanism. Specifically, I would like to thank the member states that have invited the mechanism to visit: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Italy, Morocco, Sweden, and the United States, and others cooperating with incidents and situations such as Germany, Spain, and Switzerland. I would also like to extend the Mechanism's appreciation to our secretariat for their dedication to the realization of all of our activities. Excellence, the Mechanism stands in solidarity with Africans and people of African descent who are disproportionately impacted by systemic racism in law enforcement and the criminal justice systems. Systemic racism is not an accident of today, but a direct legacy of colonialism and enslavement. Nor is it a manifestation of the misapplied commentary on wokeness. It is through research and disaggregated data shared by community members, city and state agencies, and scientists all recognizing that dismantling it through systemic transformation is not only a matter of justice, but an essential act of reparatory justice for centuries of historical violations. In the current liquidity and financial crisis facing the UN, we call on all states to ensure that mechanisms have the necessary resources available to effectively implement its mandate and support those who are most affected. We remain ready to provide technical assistance to authorities and to others to implement all of our recommendations and to support the others, and to advance racial justice and equality in the context of law enforcement globally. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you.

Mr. Mchit, head of the Service Rule of Law, Equality and Non-Discrimination from the Office of the High Commissioner for

Human Rights. You have the floor, sir.

I would like to thank all the delegations and civil society representatives for their remarks. Special thanks to Dr. Tracy Casey,

from the expert mechanism, as well as Ms. Hemmings and Mr. Camara for their powerful interventions. This is a reminder of the central role played by independent experts, but also by activists and their organizations in the progress achieved worldwide in advocating for reparatory justice. as key to dismantling systemic racism against Africans and people of African descent. Data and lived experiences demonstrate that systemic racism and multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination faced by Africans and people of African descent in different regions persist. And this is in all areas of life, including in law enforcement and the criminal justice system. We call on all states to implement the expert mechanisms recommendations on these issues, and in particular, the 12 key elements for criminal justice system free from racism. This dialogue has clearly shown the growing interest in the issue of reparatory justice. and demonstrated that these calls are picking up momentum. The months ahead offer new prospects. We urge States to leverage the proclamation of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent to take specific action to respond to the growing calls for reparatory justice. We also urge States to engage in the elaboration of a United Nations declaration on the respect, protection, and fulfillment of the human rights of people of African descent, the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination this year, and discussions regarding next year, 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration Program of Action, most important milestones. More broadly, States are urged to fully implement their international human rights obligations, recommendations by United Nations human rights mechanisms, and those contained in the Agenda Towards Transformative Change for Racial Justice and Equality. OHCHR stands ready to support States to advance racial justice and equality. I thank you.

Thank you. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, this brings us to the end of this enhanced interactive dialogue. I do much like to thank everybody who's taken part. Thank you for your participation. We'll now have a brief break before we continue with the interactive dialogue on the report of the Permanent Forum of Persons of African Descent. Many thanks.

Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, we shall now start the interactive dialogue on the report of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, and we continue with the list of State speakers. I call on Paraguay.

Thank you, Vice-President. We welcome the presentation of the report and the recommendations and share the concern at the Haiti situation. This is a country facing a multidimensional crisis with grave human rights ramifications. We welcome participation and empowerment of women of African descent. There need to be efforts within the second decade on people of African descent, strengthening cooperation with civil society. We emphasise the need to remove systemic racism from legal frameworks. Paraguay has extended the law, establishing mechanisms to prevent and punish racism and discrimination against people of African descent. and seeks to create a national council for inclusive public policies. We are now working on a broad process of consultations for the first national plan to promote and protect the human rights of people of African descent. How can we guarantee in this Council the development and use of AI has a human rights-based approach and is not another form of exclusion?

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on South Africa.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. My delegation welcomes the report of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent and fully supports its recommendations. In this regard, my delegation reaffirms the DDPA as an indispensable United Nations framework for addressing the enduring legacies of colonial subjugation, apartheid, transatlantic slavery, and racial discrimination. We note the forum's findings on the intersections of reparatory justice, digital justice, and inclusive development, and we highlight the importance of translating these findings into concrete measurable actions. Building on the forum's findings, let us heed the call to action, translate reparatory justice into everyday realities, ensure equal protection under the law, and build inclusive society where the people of African descent can live with dignity, security, and opportunity. We urge the forum of people of African descent working in collaboration with the regional organizations and notable the African Union to delineate concrete accountable steps with immediate priorities and clear timelines to monitor progress. As immediate next steps, we encourage the people of African descent to invite inputs on operational pathways to implement reparatory justice recommendations, concrete time-bound priorities and monitoring milestones, and measures to safeguard digital and protect

against- Thank you.

I call on Ethiopia.

Mr. Vice President, Ethiopia aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the African Group and welcomes the report of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, including its timely focus on Africa and people of African descent united for reparatory justice in the age of artificial intelligence. Ethiopia reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with all people of African descent. the global pursuit of justice, dignity and equality. Our historical resistance to racial oppression informs our principal commitment to addressing the enduring legacy of slavery, colonialism, and systemic racism. We support the forum's call for comprehensive, multidimensional approach to reparatory justice, encompassing restitution, economic empowerment, debt, cancellation, culture return, and climate resilience. We also underscore the need for inclusive global governance where African and people of African descent meaningfully participate in decision-making and particularly in emerging fields like artificial intelligence. Ethiopia believes that ethical digital governance, the elimination of algorithm bias, and investment in inclusive STEM education are crucial for ensuring digital equity and safeguarding human rights in the 21st century.

I thank you.

Thank you. I come from Kenya.

Thank you, Vice President. Kenya welcomes the report of the Permanent Forum and commends its focus on the core human rights concerns for people of African descent. We wish to highlight the following in the spirit of substantive engagement. First, Kenya underscores that reparatory justice must be comprehensive and multidimensional. This means not only compensation and restitution, but also the legal recognition of slavery and the transatlantic trade in Africa as crimes against humanity, the return of stolen cultural property, cancellation of illegitimate debt, and climate reparations. We reiterate the Africa Union-CARICOM joint position, which called for a global reparations framework anchored in binding international law. Second, we recognize a crucial role of reparations in dismantling social, economic, and political exclusion, emphasizing land rights, education, climate resilience, and equitable global economic reform as essential components. Third, digital equity and technological justice must be prioritized, access to technology, protection from racial bias in AI and participation in tech development are vital to closing the digital divide faced by Africans and people of African descent. Fourth, the leadership demonstrated by the AU and Caribbean communities in securing institutional mechanisms, including reparation funds and expert committees, must be supported and expanded. We affirm the necessity of transparent, participatory, community-driven reparatory justice frameworks that prioritize agency and meaningful participation of affected communities. Thank you.

Thank you, Ecuador and Colombia.

Thank you, Vice-President. Colombia had the honour to host the regional consultations of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in September this year in Bogota. We welcome this forum, which strengthens cooperation with the United Nations system and underscores our commitment to the rights of people of African descent. During the visit, there were meetings with various state institutions in line with our political will to move towards an inclusive participatory agenda in line with international human rights standards. We reiterate our readiness to continue working with the Forum and contributing actively to processes to promote equality, dignity and effective participation of people of African descent in all areas of national and international life. Colombia firmly supports the adoption of the International Declaration on the Rights of People of African Descent, a milestone in recognition, justice and development of these communities. and supports the implementation of the programme of activities of the second International Decade as a framework for collective action. The members of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent and the international community as a whole may count on the decisive commitment of Colombia to promote respect, protection and enjoyment of the rights of people of African descent. Thank you.

Thank you, Ecuador and Bolivia.

Thank you. We welcome the report on reparatory justice for Africa and people of African descent, the human rights of women and girls of African descent, eliminating systemic racism and a human rights-based approach. attention to artificial intelligence are important tools to overcome internal barriers. We agree with the work of the appointment forum on overcoming structural barriers and historic injustices related to systemic and structural racism that still persists, and on the ongoing discussion intensified discussion on a global framework to recognize racism and the suffering of the enslaved Africans and the crime and the transatlantic slave trade as crimes against humanity. The second decade, we believe, is a major opportunity to build a world of inclusion and reparatory justice. It is important to examine how systemic racism and other factors can continue to undermine the capacity for action of women of African descent, particularly in rural areas. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Egypt.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Egypt welcomes the convening of the first session of the Permanent Forum and its report. Egypt reaffirms its full commitment to combating all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance on the basis of the DDPA and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Egypt underscores the centrality of reparatory justice in efforts to address racism and racial discrimination and its close link with sustainable development. In this context, we value the efforts undertaken within the African Union, in particular its decision to establish institutional mechanisms on reparatory justice and a dedicated reparations fund as steps reflecting African political will to strengthen a collective and unified position. Egypt shares the forum's concern regarding the challenges associated with artificial intelligence and digital justice and stresses the need to ensure that these technologies do not entrench discrimination or create new forms of dependency or digital colonialism. Egypt also highlights the importance of establishing international regulatory frameworks based on transparency, accountability, and inclusive while guaranteeing the effective participation of Africans and people of African descent. Finally, Egypt emphasizes the importance of enhancing cooperation between Africa and people of African descent and welcomes the call for future sessions of the forum to be convened in Africa, reflecting the deep bond between the continent and its sons and daughters, wherever they may be.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. I call on Algeria.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Algerian delegation thanks the Permanent Forum for the presentation of the report.

My delegation echoes the Permanent Forum's view about the heavy.

And long-lasting legacy of colonialism, foreign occupation, apartheid, slavery, and the transatlantic slave trade, materialized in continued socioeconomic and political exclusion, systematic and structural racism, poverty, and marginalization of Africans and people of African descent, and exacerbated by modern technologies, including artificial intelligence.

We call for a more effective implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial.

Discrimination and the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action in the fight against racism. racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, including their contemporary forms.

In conclusion, we echo the calls for an urgent recognition and reparation of the historical injustices of colonialism, foreign occupation, slavery.

And the transatlantic slave trade, and the urgent need for a comprehensive and multidimensional framework.

To ensure reparatory justice for Africa, Africans, and people of African descent.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you.

I call on Malawi.

Mr. Vice President, Malawi welcomes the comprehensive report on the fourth session of the Permanent Forum of People of African Descent, which renews the call for recognition, justice, and development. We note that from the previous sessions, The Permanent Forum has identified systemic racism, reparatory justice, and sustainable development as core themes to be explored as goals for this current international decade. Malawi looks forward to engage on these themes as we also use this decade to deepen contributions towards the draft UN declaration on the promotion, protection, and full respect on the human rights of people of African descent. While it is clear that there has been progress in international awareness of human rights issues on people of African descent, they continue to face deep inequalities and discrimination in every layer of their lives. These inequalities have in time been kept alive through generations. of slavery, colonialism, and now a biased and unequal international architecture engineered to maintain the status quo. Malawi echoes the narrative that the permanent forum should be firmly based on the reformation of the Durban Declaration on People of African Descent.

Thank you, African Federation. We support the mandate and activities of the permanent forum on people of African descent. It plays an important role as a forum for discussion of a range of issues connected with promoting and protecting the rights of people of African descent. The efforts of the forum for comprehensive identification and elimination of systematic problems affecting people of African descent are important. as are those to overcome historic injustice and the harsh colonial legacy, as well as the transatlantic slave trade. People of African descent continue to face systemic racism and suffer from a low level of development and socioeconomic inequalities. There needs to be political will and tangible steps by states to implement their obligations under international human rights treaties, above all the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. and the DDPA. It is crucial to focus on implementation of all of the rights of people of African descent, including economic and social rights and the right to development. This systemic approach will allow African States to overcome the existing problems, create conditions for sustainable development and improve the prosperity of their populations.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on.

Thank you, Vice-President.

We reiterate our satisfaction at the establishment of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, an important advisory mechanism to strengthen the safety and quality of life of people of African descent. This forum must demonstrate commitment to combating and ensuring human dignity, equality and non-discrimination, as well as advocating for victims of slavery, the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism. We welcome the conclusions and recommendations of the report and recognise the importance of reparatory justice, with a focus on women and girls of African descent, the strengthening of legal and political mechanisms to combat systemic racism, promote full participation by people of African descent and ensure recognition and restoration of rights. We agree that Reparation processes must be comprehensive, participatory and cross-cutting, ensuring historic recognition, restoration of rights and empowerment. Distinguished experts, the people and communities of African descent are facing challenges arising from the illegal imposition of unilateral coercive measures. We would like to ask: What actions to fulfill the mandate can the Permanent Forum take to denounce and call for the elimination of these measures which run counter to international law?

Thank you.

Thank you, I call on Cuba.

Vice-President, we welcome the representatives of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent and note the report on the fourth session, including the conclusions and recommendations. We reiterate our support to the Forum and to the legitimate rights of the peoples of African descent, including fair participation in decision-making, equal opportunities, reparations and economic compensation for the horrors that they suffered, and social inclusion. We call for the intergovernmental nature of the forum to be respected with the rules of procedure applied as voted by the General Assembly without manipulation. to focus on the just cause of the people of African descent, overcoming racism and racial discrimination and the eradication of systemic conditions that perpetuate inequality, poverty, institutionalised racism, police brutality in law enforcement and overrepresentation of, uh, people of African descent in the justice system. We commend the DDPA for the promotion and protection of the human rights of people of African descent.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on China.

Thank you, Chair. I welcome the report of the Parliament Forum, which focuses on reparatory justice for people of African descent in the era of artificial intelligence. The DPA recognises explicitly that the slave trade, and particularly the transatlantic trade, was a crime against humanity and people of African descent. and Africans have suffered enormously. However, the consequences of colonialism and the slave trade have not been eliminated. People of African descent are still suffering from structural racism, economic exclusion, injustice in the judicial system, and identity stigmatization in many countries. IA, as a double-edged sword, brings opportunities for development to people of African descent, but also brings digital bias. China calls on the concerned countries to recognize their historic responsibilities, establish reparation mechanisms, and take active measures to eliminate systemic racial bias. Numeric technologies must be used to provide empowerment for people of African descent, reduce the digital gap, bring digital justice, and ensure that people of African descent can fairly enjoy the fruit of development. China is ready to work with the international community to strengthen international cooperation and promote the implementation of the DDP. Thank you.

Distinguished colleagues, that was the last speaker on my list. We will now move to the NGOs and I call on Jelid.

Thank you, Chair. My name is Gabriel Dantas, and I speak on behalf of GALADAS, Black Women Institute from Brazil. We welcome the upcoming regional consultation on the next UN Declaration on the Rights of People of African Descent in Brasilia in November. It's vital to preserve the language already reflected in the current draft, which anchors a coherent standard for the rights of people of African descent. We, therefore, call not only on the Forum, but on the entire UN anti-racism architecture to work in tighter synergy and in a truly system-wide manner, so that the knowledge we are producing is disseminated into other UN arenas, especially those shaping economic and financial policies. For example, the ongoing new tax convention process must reflect a reparatory justice lens and advanced fiscal instruments that operationalize repair for Africans and people of African descent. Democracy depends on anti-racism. We support establishing an annual discussion on racial and reparatory justice at the HRC with the forum feed inputs each year. And last but not least, We call on states to fully implement the DDPA as a form of reparations. I thank.

You.

Thank you. I call on Syria. Syria.

Absent.

Absent. I call on the Eliska Relief Foundation.

Thank you. Eliska. welcomes the continued convening of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, even amidst the liquidity crisis affecting the United Nations. In this context, we emphasise that reparative justice for Africans and people of African descent is one of their inherent rights and a prerequisite for rectifying historical grievances and the legacies of colonialism. Alistair raises the alarm about the rights of people of African descent to reparative justice in Europe. They remain without explicit recognition and are described as invisible minorities. According to surveys, 50% of police stops against individuals of African descent were based on discriminatory and racist grounds. Reparative justice is not only about correcting past wrongs, but also about the willingness to build a prosperous future for these individuals. We recommend that European countries consider implementing the recommendations from civil society contained in the fourth session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, and hope for the establishment of national action plans to implement the second International Decade for People of African Descent.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on International Support for Human Rights.

Absent. Absent.

I call on Rado by video statement.

President Rado notes the report of the working group and congratulates it on the results obtained despite the lack of resources available to the United Nations in order fully to achieve its goals. The first decade showed the way laying important foundations for recognition, visibility and promotion of cultural, social and political rights of people of African descent. The second decade, however, must not be lost. This must bring hope and true inclusion. It needs to translate commitments into tangible action, combating systemic discrimination, bringing full participation in public life, equitable access to resources and recognition of the contribution of the African diasporas to universal civilisation. REDO welcomes the adoption last February by the summit of heads of state of the initiative that made 2025 a year of reparation for the transatlantic slave trade and its consequences. This is a milestone in the Path 2, historic justice and restoration of dignity of victims and descendants. RADO fully supports the creation of an advisory group, a legal advisory group on reparations, and invites States at this 60th anniversary of the Convention. Thank you.

I call on PDES.

Thank you. We join forces with the international community to address this historic injustice, which weighs heavily on people of African descent, including the transatlantic slave trade, slavery, and colonialism. Those have left significant consequences. It is important to return property and land and to ensure non-recurrence. Racism in its modern sense must be addressed. It deprives people of justice, education and political participation. Artificial intelligence brings its own challenges and must be effectively governed. Equality is the basis of progress, and this is not only a moral duty, but There is an imperative to build a peaceful, inclusive world. Thank you.

Thank you, colleague.

Distinguished colleagues, that was the last speaker on my list. I now give the floor to Mr. Matic Mani for concluding comments. You have two minutes.

Your Excellency, Vice President, thank you for the floor and thank you to all the delegations and civil society groups that spoke and directed their comments at the work of the Permanent Forum. Thank you very much. I'd like to respond to two specific questions. The delegate from Benin asked about artificial intelligence, and the answer really is, which I think you're very aware of, is if you look at Resolution 79/325 on the independent international scientific panel on AI and the global dialogue on AI governance, it ensures that member states can act in the following ways to ensure racism in AI is addressed. Nominate experts on bias, discrimination, and equity to the panel. Submit evidence of harm from AI systems for -- to -- harm to your citizens and to people of African descent. Advocate for thematic briefs and dialogue sessions on racism in AI. Use that intergovernmental discussion to press for safeguards and shared standards. And in terms of resource equity, fund participation from developing countries and marginalized communities. and connect dialogue outputs with U.N. human rights processes and national legislation. The coordination of delegations between New York and Geneva is very important. And there are earlier A.I. resolutions by the United States and another one by China that emphasize the role of A.I. in sustainable development, and that can be directed to the African people of African descent. I would like also to just thank the delegation of Brazil and Colombia for inviting their countries, inviting the Permanent Forum. Colombia had us in Bogota in mid-September and we'll be going to Brazil on the 24th to the 27th of November. Thank you very much. And Mr. Chair, thank you for giving me the floor.

Thank you very much. Distinguished colleagues, that brings us to the end of this interactive dialogue. I'd very much like to thank Mr. Kimani for his participation. We'll now take a very brief break before we move on to the submission of report 109. Excellences, distinguished colleagues, we will now hear the presentation of the report of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the DDPA. It's a great pleasure to give the floor to His Excellency Mr. James Nderungu Waweru. Deputy Permanent Representative of Kenya to the UN in Geneva and Chair Rapporteur of this working group to present this report in seven minutes. You have the floor, sir.

Chairperson, Excellencies, friends, let us not forget history and the collective lessons we have learned. Let us never forget that the worst atrocities experienced by humankind were committed because of racism and the dehumanization of others. There are times in human history when we must stand firm on our shared values and humanity. These are the times to reaffirm our fundamental human rights and the dignity and worth of us all. In 2001, the international community gathered in Durban, South Africa, precisely to reaffirm that we, the peoples, belong to the same human family, that cultural diversity is a cherished asset for the advancement and the welfare of humanity, that racism, racial discrimination, Xenophobia and related intolerance constitute a negation of the purposes and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The struggle against racial hatred, discrimination, and intolerance took a significant step forward in Durban in 2001, when the States adopted the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action by consensus. The DDP, as it is known, is the most comprehensive international agenda for combating racism. It encompasses far-reaching measures to combat racism in all its forms. It calls for tougher anti-discrimination legislation and administrative measures, for better education, access to health care and to the administration of justice, for greater efforts to fight poverty and to secure development, for improved remedies and resources for victims of racism. It also calls for greater multiculturalism and a respect for the rule of law and human rights. The DTPA was one of the first United Nations documents to recognize the injustice and crimes of the past and continuing impact of the lives of millions of people. It played a crucial role in expanding the global dialogue on racial justice. It paved the way for today's international efforts to combat racism. Next year, we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of this historic document. The Human Rights Council has entrusted the Intergovernmental Working Group on Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, of which I am honored to chair, with starting preparations for this commemoration. Chairperson, first I would like to sincerely thank delegations for their cooperation in adopting the report entitled roadmap to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action by consensus. I am pleased to report that at its 23rd session, the Intergovernmental Working Group agreed that the commemoration of the 25th anniversary should be an occasion to reaffirm our political commitment to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. We also agreed to raise awareness of the DDPA and to encourage public support for it through public information and outreach materials, including as part of the OHCHR Fight Racism campaign. Chairperson, friends, the hopes of millions of victims rests on the implementation of the DDPA. But the noblest charter is reduced to empty rhetoric if commitments it enshrines are not put into practice. It is urgent that we take stock and assess the extent to which the solemn pledges that states made in 2001 have been realized. At the same time, we need a clear understanding of the gaps that persist in its implementation. Recognizing this, the Intergovernmental Working Group recommended that the commemoration should focus on assessing the progress made and challenges that remain over the 25 years. To this end, we invite the Human Rights Council to convene a half-day panel discussion at its 61st session, following the high-level segment. We also invite the General Assembly to hold a one-day high-level plenary event on the theme "Mobilizing global public support for the full, effective implementation of the DDPA," with the participation of heads of state and government. This should culminate in the adoption of a concise political declaration. In recognition of the importance of non-governmental organizations, particularly that of organizations representing individuals and groups facing racism, we invite States to support their participation in the celebrations. Excellencies, today as we witness an escalation and trivialization of conflicts, a denial of human nature, and a serious backlash against human rights and non-discrimination, today human rights are more crucial than ever. and collective agreements such as the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action are of great importance. We need a united human rights and equality movement that is committed to respecting and safeguarding the achievement made 80 years ago with the establishment of our organization. This year, 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, And next year's 25th anniversary of the DDPA should be celebrations bringing hope and commitment, commitment and respect for human rights and racial equality. These are the times in human history when we must stand firm together for racial equality, for human rights, for the rule of law, for peace and democracy. And that time is now. I count on all of you to join in the celebrations of the DDPA 25th anniversary and to actively participate in the discussions at the next session of the working group, which will take place here at the Palais from 15th to 17th October. We will continue negotiations on the draft United Nations Declaration on the Protection, Promotion and Fulfilment of the Human Rights of People of African Descent, a declaration that aims to address past violations and injustices and their present consequences. a decisive step towards reconciliation. I thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Thank you, distinguished colleagues. We will now hear the presentation of the ad hoc committee of the Human Rights Council on the elaboration of complementary standards to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination on its 15th session. It's a great pleasure to give the floor to Her Excellency, Madame Khadra Ahmed Hassan, Permanent Representative of Djibouti to the United Nations Office in Geneva and Chair of the Committee. You have the floor, Excellency. Thank you, Excellency.

Delegates, it is an honor to address the Human Rights Council in my capacity as chair rapporteur of the ad hoc committee on the elaboration of complementary standard to the I-CERT. I'm pleased to present the report of the ad hoc committee on its 15th session. Since my last briefing to this council, I am pleased to report that the ad hoc committee has continued to make steady progress in advancing its important mandate. The 15th session was held in two segments, Pursuant to the Human Rights Council Resolution 57/25, the first segment was convened from 9 to 11 April, and the second from 26 to 30 May, 2025. As you are aware, in 2006, this Council took a decisive step in response to the call of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action by establishing the ad hoc committee. It was entrusted with a critical mandate. to elaborate, as a matter of priority and necessity, complementary standard in the form of either a convention or additional protocol to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. This step reflected a shared recognition of the need to strengthen our collective efforts against racial discrimination and acknowledge the importance of providing new normative standards at combating all forms of contemporary racism. In 2017, both the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council reaffirmed their commitment to this mandate by requesting that the chair-rapporteur of the Ad Hoc Committee "ensure the commencement of the negotiation on the draft additional protocol to the Convention criminalizing acts of a racist and xenophobic nature". In this context, during the, during its 15th session, the ad hoc committee engaged in substantive discussions with legal expert, legal, legal expert and received input and precise legal advice regarding the concrete elements of potential draft provision, provisions for a draft additional protocol to the convention. During the 15th session, Building upon the work of previous sessions, the ad hoc committee reached consensus in principle that the draft additional protocol should address specific conduct outlined in article four of the ICERD. The committee considered proposed definition for the offenses of hate speech and hate crimes and explored various options for addressing the issue of participation in organizations that incite racial discrimination. The ad hoc committee emphasized that criminalization should be reserved for serious cases and expressed a preference for a holistic strategy to combat racial discrimination. While Article 4 of the Convention provides for certain conducts to be declared offenses punishable by law, other provisions put forward a comprehensive approach, one that includes preventive measures, education and awareness raising, as well as remedial mechanisms. In addition, that whole committee examined concrete elements of draft provisions aimed at preventing and prohibiting xenophobia and xenophobic discrimination, as well as racial profiling and its intersection with artificial intelligence. It further considered draft definitions for xenophobia, xenophobic discrimination and racial profiling. That whole committee, with the support of the legal experts, aims to continue elaborating and discussing concrete elements and draft provisions of the draft additional protocol during its 16th session next year. To this end, it has requested further input on two key areas of discussion. First, approaches to addressing discrimination on the basis of religion or belief within the draft additional protocol, taking into account the intersectionality of various forms of discrimination, including as aggravating factors. Second, measures to address acts of a racist and xenophobic nature committed online and in cyberspace. including the use of digital tools, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies, as well as states' obligation and liability of individuals and legal entities. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, allow me to highlight that during its 15th session, the ad hoc committee held a special commemorative event to mark the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the ICERD, This event formed part of the year-long campaign launched on 21st March 2025 by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It offered an opportunity to reflect on the Convention's achievement, assess the current global status of racial discrimination, and consider how complementary standards can strengthen the impact of the Convention in addressing contemporary forms of racism and racial discrimination. Despite challenges, the Ad Hoc Committee achieved meaningful progress, reaffirming the importance of our collective efforts towards the elaboration of an additional protocol to the Convention criminalizing acts of a racist and xenophobic nature. For the first time, the Committee engaged in substantive discussion on draft provisions defining key offenses including hate speech and hate crimes, and began considering definition for racial profiling, xenophobia, and xenophobic discrimination. These preliminary discussions mark a significant step forward in advancing the committee's mandate. These efforts are aimed at paving the way for the commencement of negotiation on a draft additional protocol to the convention, as mandated by the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly. that our Committee remains committed to addressing existing legal gaps through the development of a modern, high-quality instrument that ensures effective protection against racial discrimination in all its forms and manifestations. Let me reiterate that the elaboration of a complementary standard is not only a legal necessity, but also a moral imperative. It is essential to building a more comprehensive and effective international framework to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I was encouraged to see that representatives of permanent mission and civil society organizations continue to engage with the Ad Hoc Committee in a spirit of cooperation and constructive dialogue. I deeply appreciate the collaborative approach and the willingness to compromise during the 15th session. While differences remain within the Committee, there is a strong and shared commitment to the fight against racism. As we look ahead to this 16th session, I count on all delegations and participants to engage substantively and constructively, as they have been doing so far. Your continued dedication is essential to advancing our common goal of strengthening the international legal framework to combat racial discrimination in all its forms. In conclusion, let me reiterate that the work of the ad hoc committee remains as relevant today as it was at its inception, if not more so. We must continue to advance this mandate with determination and unity, guided by the principles of equality, justice, and human dignity. And I thank you for your attention.

Thank you.

Thank you very much, Madam. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, we will now be hearing the presentation of the Report of Group of Independent Eminent Experts on the Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. It's a great pleasure to give the floor to Madam Salome Nkubwua, who is member of the Group of Independent Eminent Experts. You have 10 minutes. Thank you.

Mr. Vice President, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, I'm honored to address you today on behalf of the Group of Independent Eminent Experts on the Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, DDPA. We continue to view the DDPA as the most comprehensive global framework for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. and as an essential tool to advance the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. I present to you today the outcome of the Group's 11th session, which was held from 28 April to 1 May 2025, and the Group's comprehensive study on the implementation of the DPPA. During the session, the Group held three thematic discussions. addressing racism against Asian and people of Asian descent, monitoring DDPA implementation through data and indicators, racism as a root cause and consequence of armed conflict. We also met privately with all regional groups of states, OHCHR, staff, civil society, During the thematic discussion on Asian and people of Asian descent, it was noted that this was the first UN thematic discussion focused on this group. Participants emphasized the lack of a clear and inclusive definition of Asian and people of Asian descent, which undermines effective advocacy. A more intersectional approach is needed, taking into consideration caste, colonial legacies, geography, and economic disparities. During the discussion, it was also highlighted that processes of securitization, where policy issues such as migration, health, and climate change, among others, are portrayed predominantly as security threat, eroded trust between Asian communities and government institutions, talked social division, encouraged vigilantism, online hate, and mainstreamed acceptance of xenophobia. Recommendation for this thematic area included a comprehensive study on Asian and people of Asian descent with input from communities, states, and UN actors. An OHCHR fellowship program for Asian and people of Asian descent aligned with the existing fellowship for people of African descent. A general recommendation on nation and people of Asian descent by Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. A recommendation to the Human Rights Council, treaty monitoring body and special procedure mandate holders, as well as regional human rights mechanism and bodies, to take note of the human rights risks and racialized impact of securitization processes, and explore opportunities for early warning and prevention of human rights violation. On our second thematic discussions on monitoring implementation, we emphasized the importance of disaggregated consent-based data to monitor racial inequality and the effectiveness of anti-racism measures. What cannot be measured cannot be improved. In this regard, we recommend OHCHR should create a dashboard illustrating States' acknowledgment and apologies for colonialism, slavery, and related atrocities. States should develop and use indicators and independent monitoring mechanisms with input from affected communities. Moreover, in view of the group mandate, including its advisory role to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly and its full membership, the group suggested to prepare an annual report on the implementation of the DPPA. A review of activities undertaken by various stakeholders at national, regional and international level should be done by independent UN experts, such as the distinguished members of this group. During the final thematic discussion on armed conflict, we discussed how racism and related crime, apartheid, persecution, genocide, occur before, during, and after conflict. Peace agreement often fail when they ignore underlying racism. In this regard, we recommended the following. Peace agreements, whether temporary or long-term, should prohibit and address effectively racism and racial discrimination. Effective measures must include action to recognize and address international crime, in particular the crime against humanity of apartheid and persecution, that are deprived from racism and racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. recognizing of crimes against humanity rooted in racism. Inclusion of anti-racism advisors in all human rights councils, investigative bodies. I now move to the group comprehensive study on the implementation of DPPA. The study supports the commemoration of 60 years of ICERD in 2025 and 25 years of DDPA in 2026. Though limited by time and resources, the study reviewed DPPA implementation at national, regional, and international level. The group considered the study to be an initial step towards enhancing the implementation of program of action as there are challenges beyond those covered in the study. The group recommendations for national level included, states should formally acknowledge and apologize for slavery colonization, apartheid, and genocide. They should include DDPA references in all anti-racism measures and national reports to treaty bodies. Provide update information on financial resources allocated to implement anti-racism measures. Establish independent monitoring mechanism with civil society participation. At regional level, we recommended that regional bodies should adopt measures in line with the DPPA and include reference to it in their work. With regard to international level, the group recommended all human rights mechanisms should reference the DPPA in their input. OHCHR should include the DPPA in all their relevant publications, trainings, and briefings. to implement the recommendation of the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee to develop an analytical and methodological framework, including indicators, as a tool to monitor and assess progress towards racial equality; to expand the UN internal anti-racism strategy to include external programming, as seen in the UN strategies on gender, youth and disability. Mr Vice-President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, our group remain deeply concerned by growing resistance to anti-racism effort worldwide. The DDPA and ISAD offer a solid UN framework to counter this trend. We are mindful of today's geopolitical tension, the UN financial constraint, and the UN 80 reform initiative. However, the group recommendations must be reflected in Human Rights Council and General Assembly resolutions. As regular budget funding is unavailable, we urge governments and stakeholders to provide extra-budgetary support for our thematic work. Now, more than ever before, we need political will and leadership to turn commitment into actions that make real difference in people's lives. Thank you.

Thank you.

Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, we will now hear the presentation of the reports of the of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on item 9. And I call on the head of the Rule of Law, Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch in the OHCHR to present the report. Ten minutes. You have the floor, sir.

Mr. Vice President, distinguished delegates, it's my honor to introduce three reports. prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, addressing the scourge of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. These reports underscore the persistence of deeply entrenched patterns of discrimination, outline the work carried out by OHCHR, Member States, treaty bodies and other actors, and provide evidence-based recommendations for stronger national, regional, and international responses. They reaffirm that combating racism in all its forms remains central to this council's mandate and to the realization of the principles of equality and dignity enshrined in the United Nations Charter and international human rights instruments. First, I'm pleased to present the expert study prepared pursuant to Human Rights Council Resolutions 54/27, which requested OHCHR to take stock of how the work of various treaty bodies has contributed to the implementation of the Durban Declaration Programme of Action. Originally, scheduled for the 57th session, it was postponed to the 60th session due to the liquidity crisis affecting the United Nations. The Durban Declaration and Program of Action provides a comprehensive framework for addressing racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance as cross-cutting human rights issues. The study identifies key trends and illustrates how treaty bodies have contributed to the implementation of the declaration from its inception during the World Conference Against Racism to the present. While their primary mandate is to monitor the implementation of their respective human rights treaties, treaty bodies have also advanced the implementation of the declaration by holding states accountable for treaty obligations that align with its objectives.

Through their recommendations, treaty bodies highlight states' commitments to combat racism and racial discrimination as articulated in the Durban Declaration. The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has consistently referred to the Declaration in its recommendations. Other treaty bodies, while addressing issues covered by the Declaration, have done so with fewer explicit references. Looking ahead, Treaty bodies can strengthen their role in advancing the declaration's holistic vision by more systematically integrating its recommendations into their work. The upcoming 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration Programme of Action in 2026 offers a timely opportunity for renewed commitment. Treaty bodies are encouraged to seize this milestone to deepen engagement with the declaration and enhance the implementation of their mandates. States, for their part, are called upon to cooperate with treaty bodies, demonstrate political support, and provide the necessary resources to integrate the declaration's principle into the work of the treaty bodies. This includes enhancing cooperation with the Durban follow-up mechanisms, supporting national human rights institutions and civil society, and establishing effective national monitoring systems. States should also report on the impact of measures to combat racism and racial discrimination, including providing disaggregated data collected based on self-identification. OHCHR stands ready to support treaty bodies in integrating the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action into their mandates and coordinating with the Durban follow-up mechanisms to more effectively address racism and racial discrimination. Next, I would like to introduce the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the world of sports free from racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. The report underscores that racism and racial discrimination persist across sporting disciplines, from the grassroots and amateur levels to the highest professional arenas. Yet, too often, these injustices are not acknowledged as a systematic and structural issue, rooted in colonial legacies. Instead, racism in sport is treated as a series of isolated incidents obscuring its true scale and impact. Religious groups, particularly those whose members wear visible religious symbols or attire, continue to be targeted. anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim slurs, along with other forms of racism, remain a shameful reality. In the realm of sports practiced by persons with disabilities, racism intersects with ableism, creating distinct and entrenched barriers that demand urgent attention. Representation remains a pressing challenge. with some groups still rendered invisible in different sport arenas. Accountability and redress for victims of racism in sport are inconsistently prioritized, leaving victims without adequate redress and exposed to exclusion and profound psychological harms. While some reporting mechanisms exist, they often fail to provide effective protection, particularly where they are not accompanied by legal and psychological support. A world of sports free from racism requires confronting systematic, institutional, and structural barriers through coordinated, adequately resourced actions by states, sports sectors, civil society, and the private sector. The report calls on states to address racial discrimination in sport through legislative, administrative, budgetary, and regulatory measures and the implementation of targeted plans, policies, and programs. It further urges states and sport actors to collect and analyze disaggregated data and use it to inform a structured effort to combat racism in sports.

States and sport sectors should also allocate adequate resources for the enforcement of accountability mechanisms and implementation of legislative, education and policy measures. Equally urgent is the need to address the underrepresentation of marginalized racial or ethnic groups both in participation in sport and within governance structures across the sport ecosystem. Additionally, social media companies should ensure transparent rights based content and moderation. Finally, advancing human rights education across all sectors of society remains imperative to sustain meaningful change. We look forward to continuing to build on this critical work together. Lastly, Human Rights Council resolutions 54/27 and 57/25 requested OHCHR to report on the implementation of its comprehensive communication strategy to continue to raise awareness about and mobilize global public support for racial justice and equality and the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. This report provides an overview of the activities undertaken by OHCHR in this regard, including under the umbrella of the #FightRacism initiative and the Learn, Speak Up, Act campaign launched by the Office in 2022. Between April 23 and April 25, OHCHR developed and disseminated a range of products including publications, videos, web content, and social media outputs in all UN official languages. Content was designed to connect the public with the United Nations anti-discrimination instruments, mandates, and mechanisms. Complex issues were made relatable through storytelling centered on the lived experiences and achievements of people of African descent, indigenous peoples, Roma communities, migrants, and human rights defenders, among others. This strategy has proven successful. Over 477 #FightRacism campaign social media posts reached more than 16 million people worldwide, and stories published under the campaign attracted nearly 120,000 viewers. Our CHR field presences and United Nations information centers actively participated in the campaign to localize messaging. Partnerships with highly visible public figures, including professional footballer and fight racism champion, Vinicius Junior, further expanded outreach. The Fights Racism campaign successfully integrated the Icert60 initiative launched to mark the 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, capitalizing on this strategic opportunity and extending the campaign's reach and relevance. But challenges remain. Social media publications, including terms like racism, or racial discrimination are frequently deprioritized or suppressed, making it difficult to achieve visibility at scale. In response, OHCHR continues to adapt its digital communication strategy without compromising core messages. Further, due to the liquidity and financial crisis faced by the United Nations, Some activities planned as part of Fight Racism and Learn Speak Up Act had to be postponed or scaled down. Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance continue to have a deeply negative impact on the enjoyment of human rights of millions globally. OHCHR and the United Nations human rights mechanisms will continue to play a central

role in calling for the elimination of these courtesies and for concrete action

to be achieved to achieve racial justice and equality. Given the sustained demand for Fight Racism and Learn Speak Up Act materials, long-term and predictable funding is critical to sustaining public engagement and the campaign's contribution to the struggle against racism.

Thank you.

Thank you, excellencies, distinguished colleagues. We shall now begin the general debate under item 9 of the agenda. remind you that the requests for rights of reply shall be addressed at the end of the general debate and I call on all speakers to respect the speaking time granted, namely one and a half minutes. The list of speakers will close in 15 minutes. We will start by the list of members of the Council and I call on Her Excellency Anielle Franco, Minister of Racial Equality of Brazil, by video message.

Colleagues and friends, it's an honor to address you today during this important debate under item 9 of the 6th session of the Human Rights Council. Racism and democracy cannot coexist. When discrimination silences voices and denies access to opportunities, democracy itself is weakened. To prosper, democracy must reflect the diversity of its people and ensure that no one is left behind. Sport plays a unique role in this mission. It has the power to open doors, to create belonging, and to help dismantle barriers of prejudice. We know, however, that for too many black athletes and Afro-descendant communities, racism and hate speech still shape their experience on and off the playing field. That is why sport must be more than a stage for competition. It must also be a space for equality, justice and recognition. I speak from a personal experience as a black woman who grew up playing volleyball. I know that sport can mean for young people, especially for black youth, who are too often left outside the reach of public policies. Volleyball gave me the chance to study abroad, an opportunity that changed my life. Sport also gave me discipline, strength and a sense of community. It showed me that representation matters and that breaking barriers on the court can inspire the fight against racism.

Thank you. I call on the European Union on behalf of a group of countries.

Mr. Chair, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova, which align themselves with the statement. The EU reaffirms its unwavering commitment to combating racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance in all its forms. In the year of the 60th anniversary of the international conventions to eliminate racial discrimination, we renew the call to its effective implementation upholding dignity, inclusion, and equality. This will also be the aim of our new EU anti-racism strategy that will be presented at the end of the year. We recall the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action as a blueprint which lays down both vision and concrete measures for eradicating racism globally. The work goes together with a resolute fight against anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim hatred, and all other forms of discrimination. The EU participates actively in all anti-racism mechanisms, and we note a sharp decline in attendance and participation. This is regrettable, and it may have to do with the proliferation of mechanisms, but what we need is not more meetings, but the implementation of the goals we have set ourselves. This can only happen if there's good ownership of the work we do, which will be facilitated by a more strategic organization of our work. We stand ready to continue engaging. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Brazil on behalf of a group of countries.

Vice President, I have the honor to make this statement on behalf of Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Guatemala, Peru and Uruguay, as well as my own country, Brazil. As we approach the 25th anniversary of the DDPA, we reiterate our commitment to its full implementation, which remains crucial for progress in combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. We welcome the launch of the second International Decade for People of African Descent. We remain committed to the negotiations on a United Nations declaration on the human rights of people of African descent to help us overcome the challenge of systemic structural racism. We express our grave concern at the recent and recurrent events of racial discrimination in sport and sporting events. In that connection, we urge all parties to guarantee a sporting world free from the scourge of racism. We reiterate our call for the international community to continue working for justice, equality and full recognition of the human rights of people of African descent. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Slovakia on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Vice President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of Austria, Czechia, and my own country, Slovakia, with the support of cross-regional group of over 50 countries. Recently, we have witnessed an alarming rise in antisemitism around the world. Reports and research reveal that antisemitism has increased to levels not seen for decades. Synagogues, cemeteries, memorials, museums, businesses, and homes have been targeted and vandalized. People have been assaulted and even murdered. Many Jewish individuals are now concerned for their safety and well-being in the countries and cities they call home. Let us reiterate that international developments or political issues, including those in Israel or elsewhere in the Middle East, never justify antisemitism. We must protect Jews from discrimination and violence. Everybody has a right to a life free from harassment and fear. Stigmatizing people based on their identity and attacking individuals or communities only spreads hatred and deepens division. States have the primary obligation to promote and protect human rights for all. At the same time, we recognize the valuable role and contribution of other stakeholders, including a free and pluralistic civil society. We recall that anti-Semitism, as well as racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance and hatred, pose a serious threat to human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Discrimination and violence against one religious community consequently affects others as well. Therefore, we have to prioritize interfaith dialogue and peer-to-peer learning to build bridges.

Thank you. I call on Pakistan on behalf of the OIC.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Ideas of racial superiority, racial exclusion, and racial entitlement fundamentally contradict the core objectives of international human rights law. which affirms the equal dignity and rights of all peoples regardless of ethnicity or religion among other grounds mythical or scriptural claims cannot supplant established principles of international law and do not confer any legitimate title to illegally occupy territories and land in rightful sovereigns control of other countries in fact such ideas pose a dangerous threats to peace and human rights we have seen how much How such these ideas inspired a settler colonial project perpetuated apartheid with impunity leading to genocide. The policy of apartheid and racial segregation in the OPT is underpinned by an ideology of racial hierarchy. Victims have no access to local legal or judicial remedies as the occupying power controls the entire legal framework designed to perpetuate their dispossession and disenfranchisement. Taken together, the illegal occupying power undertakes colonization, practices apartheid in territories it occupies, and commits genocide. At the same time, it remains adamant that it is only starting to reclaim its biblical territorial endowments. This is a grave threat to the future of international human rights. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Ghana on behalf of the African Group.

Mr. Vice President, the African Group welcomes the ongoing work of the key mechanisms mandated to advance the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. These mechanisms each perform a critical and complementary role in shaping the global anti-racism agenda. The IGWIG remains essential in steering the negotiation and operationalization of an international framework to combat systemic racism. The expert mechanism provides vital thematic expertise, legal and normative guidance, ensuring our approaches remain rights-based and inclusive. The Permanent Forum offers a dynamic platform for direct engagement of affected communities, facilitating participatory policy-making, amplifying diaspora voices, and bridging regional and international efforts with an emphasis on lived realities and contemporary challenges, including digital justice and climate equity. The African group stresses that these mechanisms must continuously be supported, adequately resourced, and politically empowered to fulfill these mandates without undue interference or dilution. Reparatory justice must not be aspirational rhetoric, but must manifest through concrete, measurable actions and institutional reforms, embracing multidimensional redress, including restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, guarantees of non-repetition, as well as climate and digital justice. We urge decisive political will and sustained solidarity to eradicate racism in all forms and to fulfill

the promise of the.

Thank you. I call on Venezuela on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Vice-President. Venezuela has the honour to take the floor on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations. Tangible measures to eliminate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and the application and follow-up to the DDPA continue to be an absolute priority for our Group of Friends. Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance or a denial of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The Group of Friends believes that anything that undermines the fundamental rights, dignity and value of the human person must be condemned, and we call on all States to criminalize any act of hatred or segregation for any ethnic motive. We also condemn the rise of neo-Nazism, neo-fascism, Nazism and similar ideologies. We have a collective will not to backslide and we believe that the DDPA is our consensual roadmap to address political action to combat these terrible scourges in today's world. Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

The NAM has historically maintained an unequivocal and

principled position against all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and any kind of related intolerance. We recall the Movement's condemnation of all forms of racism, xenophobia and express serious concern about the resurgence of contemporary forms of such abhorrent crimes in various parts of the world, which constitute serious violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as impede equal opportunity.

There is an urgent need to address this scourge

with greater resolve and political will in all spheres, including the digital/cyber sphere

of life and all parts of the world, including all those under foreign occupation. The NAM Member States reaffirmed their commitment to the full and effective implementation of the

DDPA 2001 and its outcome document.

The NAM further commends the ongoing progress made by States at the national, regional and international levels, focusing on the comprehensive follow-up and implementation of these relevant documents. We note the importance of the full and effective prohibition of any incitement to national, racial, or religious hatred

that constitutes incitement to discrimination.

Mr. Vice President, in conclusion, we reiterate on our call to all states to implement the DDPA fully and effectively. I thank you.

Thank you, Michael. South Africa on behalf of the group of countries.

Thank you, Vice President. Our group strongly condemns the discriminatory treatment, unlawful deportations, excessive use of force against people of African descent and migrants of African descent, including refugees and asylum seekers, at the hands of law enforcement officials engaged in migration and border governance in different countries. And we therefore denounce the indirect forms of racial discrimination embedded in migration laws. policies and practices that result in disproportionate harm to migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Our group believes that to successfully combat the scourge of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, including to ensure the full and effective implementation of the DDPA, we must deepen international cooperation and ensure adequate funding at the regional and international levels to effectively protect human rights of those who continue to suffer at the hands of perpetrators of racist and discriminatory crimes. We underline the imperative for the full and effective implementation of the ISRT and the TDPA as instructive outcome document of the World Conference Against Racism. Accordingly, we call upon States to ensure proper accountability measures and reparations for human rights violations at the borders and to adopt a racial justice approach. The time for reparations to address historic injustices is now. I thank you.

on Ghana on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. I deliver this statement on behalf of the African group, Belarus, Bolivia, Colombia, China, Sri Lanka, Kuwait, and my country, Ghana. We affirm that the shared history of exploitation and dispossession, including colonization, enslavement, slave trade, apartheid, and genocide, have produced enduring structural and systemic inequalities, which persist across generations. We reaffirm that reparations are not acts of charity or goodwill, nor can they be substituted by development aid. Reparations are a binding legal obligation under international law. We underscore that reparations must take multiple aspects in accordance with international standards, including restitution, such as the return of stolen land, property, and cultural artifacts; compensation for the economic and moral harm suffered; rehabilitation; satisfaction, including truth commissions, formal apologies, and and historical recognition and guarantees of non-repetition. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action as the most comprehensive international framework for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. We also affirm that reparatory justice is inseparable from the right to development and represent a crucial lever to achieving the SDGs and ensuring inclusive, equitable development for all. We stand ready to work with all partners to advance reparatory justice as a fundamental pillar of international peace, quality and human dignity. Thank you.

Thank you.

On behalf of the Arab groups. Thank you.

Sixty years since the adoption of the International Convention against all forms of discrimination, we see that its provisions are the cornerstones for countering racist, discriminatory acts affecting groups and individuals on the basis of their nationality, origin, religion, and race. The Arab Group, in this light and this course, is steadfast position against racism and racial discrimination. It reaffirms its intention to combat this very dangerous phenomenon in line with its international commitment and national laws. The Arab Group stresses the role of the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms in dealing with racism. in a manner that is neutral and objective and while refraining from double standards. President, our group condemns the strongest form, the crimes of genocide, policies of displacement by the Israeli forces against the Palestinians. We remind you of the ICJ resolution in 2024, which highlighted the illegal nature of Israeli occupation and its annexation and racist policies. In closing, we call upon the international community to combat the occupation's attempts to jeopardize the national identity of the Palestinians.

Thank you, Excellencies.

Now closed.

Algeria was the last speaker to take the floor, so that is now the last speaker on our list, Excellencies. This brings us to the end of our meeting. We'll meet again tomorrow at 10:00 to continue the general debate on agenda item 9 and start the interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's oral report with the participation of the independent expert on human rights on Haiti. The 36th meeting of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council is closed.