Jason Mack
Counselor for Economic and Social Affairs
New York, New York
October 27, 2021
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Madame Chair, for your informative update on the Working Group. Your work is crucial in highlighting the ongoing injustices suffered by people of African descent and the imperative to counter racism and racial discrimination.
As highlighted in your report, 2020 shed new light on the enduring challenges of systemic racism that plagues every society, including the United States. It is an insidious evil that undermines our humanity and permeates every aspect of life that indeed requires urgent action.
As the world comes together to fight the two major crises of our time – COVID-19 and climate change – it is important to acknowledge the disproportionate and unique impact on people of African descent and members of other marginalized groups.
We greatly look forward to working with the newly established Permanent Forum for People of African Descent. We recognize the Forum and the new HRC mechanisms on systemic racism in law enforcement as additional important tools to counter the scourge of racism worldwide.
The United States will continue to dismantle systemic racism and work towards concrete improvement in communities worldwide because when all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity, can live up to their full potential, our collective security is strengthened.
Madame Chair: What are some best practices globally to advance equity, including with respect to health, education, climate change, and economic issues, for people of African descent?
Thank you.
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