The experts said that, in addition, victims’ rights to justice, truth, reparations and guarantees of non-repetition were “rarely fulfilled” and recommended several steps States must take to provide justice, accountability and redress.
“Manifestations of systemic racism against Africans and people of African descent by law enforcement and in criminal justice systems are still predominant in many parts of the world, and broad impunity persists,” said Akua Kuenyehia, chair of the International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement.
Tracie Keesee, an expert member of the Mechanism, added: “People and communities affected by police violence and misconduct repeatedly report to us about the difficulties they face when demanding justice, accountability and redress for violations by law enforcement officials, that is why we are presenting these specific action-oriented recommendations.”
In its report to the 57th session of the Human Rights Council, the Expert Mechanism examined the barriers faced by Africans and people of African descent when demanding justice, accountability and redress. It outlined the minimum steps necessary to combating impunity, complemented by specific action-oriented recommendations, including:
- establishing effective reporting, review and investigation procedures
- establishing independent civilian oversight bodies to law enforcement
- creating independent mechanisms to support victims and communities
“This is long overdue,” said Víctor Rodríguez Rescia, an expert member of the Mechanism. “It is time for States to invest in building strong institutions to effectively provide justice, accountability and redress for victims. States have the duty to fulfil a victim’s right to reparation promptly, adequately and their effectively, and comprehensive and holistic support is required in this regard.”
The Expert Mechanism will present its report to the Human Rights Council on 2 October 2024 in, Room XX, Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, together with reports of country visits to Brazil and Italy.
Source: OHCHR