43rd Session

Urgent Debate on the “current racially inspired human rights violations, systemic racism, police brutality and the violence against peaceful protest”

17th June 2020

Statement by Portugal

Madam President,

Portugal aligns itself with the EU intervention and thanks the African Group for asking for this urgent debate, which we fully support.

The recent tragic events in Minneapolis have inspired demonstrations all over the world. This Council and its existing mechanisms have a role to play in responding to this global cry.

Portugal condemns in the most absolute terms acts of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia or intolerance and is committed to combatting all their manifestations.

Acts of racism perpetrated by police and other authorities, responsible precisely for enforcing the rule of law, are particularly reprehensible.

Madam President,

Racism is unfortunately a pervasive concern in all regions of the world, in all continents. The death of George Floyd has confronted all of us with the harsh reality of those who face discrimination, violence - or indeed die - due to racism and inequality.

This tragic event shook the conscience of peoples around the world. People are protesting, young people marching. Even if with some regrettable incidents here and there, in democracies the free exercise of the right to peaceful assembly or manifestation has allowed this global movement to happen. Conversely, in many dictatorial or authoritarian regimes, those who dare to protest, including against acts of racism, are detained and human rights violations are silenced.

The whole international community must redouble efforts and gather political will to fight racism. Developing anti-racist policies addressing the root causes of this entrenched phenomenon must be a priority for all of us. Respect should prevail in all circumstances; human rights and democratic values should be promoted and enjoyed by all without discrimination; and accountability must be ensured.

The world cannot miss this opportunity and fail yet another generation. We must free ourselves from the shackles of History and build a better, more equal world.

        

Thank you.

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