UN report condemns failure to tackle racism
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.JASON BENNETTO
Crime Correspondent
The UN yesterday condemned the Government for a failure to tackle racism and the large number of black people who die in police custody.
In a wide-ranging report, it also criticised the legal system for racial discrimination and condemned the controversial Asylum and Immigration Bill.
The report, by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, will be an embarrassment to the Government, but it is not compelled to act on the findings. Last night pressure groups called for immediate changes to the law.
John Wadham, director of the Liberty, said: "The UN's comments on the Government's failure to address racist attacks, police brutality, discrimination in employment, education, housing and criminal justice are right on target. Racism in this country is institutionalised, widespread and routine."
The study expressed "serious" concern that "police brutality appears to affect members of minority groups disproportionately" and that allegations of police brutality and harassment against black people did not appear to be investigated as vigorously as those against white people. Police officers guilty of such offences were sentenced more leniently. Between October and December 1995, six black men died in custody.
Among the UN's recommendations were that: "All complaints of police brutality be vigorously and independently investigated and the perpetrators punished. It recommends that investigations into deaths in custody be carried out expeditiously by independent inquiry mechanisms."
The report will be sent to government departments and UN members.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments