Remarks at a Third Committee Interactive Dialogue on the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

Jason Mack
Counselor for Economic and Social Affairs
New York, New York
October 28, 2021

AS DELIVERED

Thank you, Chair, for this opportunity to discuss the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and its implementation.

We appreciate the election of Professor McDougall and recognize her incredible prior work on the Committee, her expertise, and her steadfast commitment to human rights.

Unfortunately, racism and racial discrimination continue to plague our world. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed and exacerbated existing inequities, including those along racial lines. As we recover from this terrible pandemic, the United States is committed to building back our communities and economy even better than before. Let us honor those we lost by building more inclusive, more resilient, and equitable societies.

On June 2, 2021, the United States submitted its most recent periodic report to the Committee, which details the measures we have undertaken to address racial discrimination. While we recognize we still have much work to do to counter systemic racism, we are proud of the progress we have made and are committed to advancing racial equity.

We are committed to leading by example on this critical issue and look forward to welcoming official visits by the Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues next month and the Special Rapporteur on Racism next year.

Madam Chair: What methodologies and processes have societies best used to eliminate racial discrimination?

Thank you.

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