UNHRC slams racism in wake of Floyd's death

The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has adopted a resolution strongly condemning the continuing racially discrimination and violent practices perpetrated by law enforcement agencies against Africans and people of African descent.

The resolution was adopted on Friday after an urgent debate on current racially inspired human rights violations, systemic racism, police brutality and violence against peaceful protests, which was held at the request of Burkina Faso on behalf of the African Group, reports Xinhua news agency.

The resolution, in particular, condemned police brutality that led to the deaths of the unarmed black man George Floyd in Minneapolis and other people of African descent.

The resolution, adopted by consensus without a vote in the 47-member UN body on Friday, also deplored the recent incidents of excessive use of force and other human rights violations by law enforcement officers against peaceful demonstrators defending the rights of Africans and people of African descent.

The resolution asked the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a report on systemic racism, violations of international human rights law, and abuses against Africans and people of African descent by law enforcement agencies.

The report will contribute to accountability and redress for victims, said the resolution, calling on all states and relevant stakeholders to cooperate in the preparation of the report.

The resolution also requested the High Commissioner to examine government responses to anti-racism peaceful protests, including the alleged use of excessive force against protesters, bystanders and journalists.

Many journalists have also reported attacks in the line of duty in the US, with some estimates going as high as "148 arrests or attacks" between May 26 and June 2.