Jason Mack
Counselor
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York, New York
October 29, 2019
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Special Rapporteur Achiume, for your report.
During the general discussion, the United States will focus on our work with partners to combat racism globally. We would now like to describe U.S. domestic efforts to combat racial discrimination.
The United States vigorously enforces laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, and national origin. In August, for example, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Baltimore County alleging racial discrimination by the Baltimore County Police Department in hiring entry-level police officers and cadets. In August 2018, the Justice Department settled a lawsuit alleging that a Chicago suburb refused to approve a low-income housing development in response to race-based opposition. Additionally, the United States continues to make hate crimes targeting race, color, national origin, or other bias a top priority. In October 2018, the Justice Department launched a comprehensive hate crimes website to provide law enforcement and the public with valuable information and links to resources.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces federal employment nondiscrimination laws, including through litigation against private employers on the bases of race, color, and national origin under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Before resorting to litigation, the Commission works to settle employees’ claims against employers by establishing consent decrees with companies to rectify unfair hiring practices and secure millions of dollars of compensation for disadvantaged workers.
The United States strongly condemns all forms of racial discrimination, and remains dedicated to pursuing its elimination. We also underscore the need to protect fundamental freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly while in that pursuit.
The efforts we have outlined today represent a continual effort to overcome racism, intolerance, and discriminatory policies.
Thank you.
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