The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination opened its 112th Session

On April 8th the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination opened its 112th session during which, among other things, it discussed the anti-discrimination efforts of Albania, Mexico, Qatar, Republic of Moldava, and San Marino. 

Wan-Hea Lee, Chief Civil, Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Section, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Representative of the Secretary-General, said that there has been a dangerous regression in the fight against racism in multiple countries and spaces. Furthermore, the committee stated that it is crucial for states to implement their international human rights obligations and commitments under the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination. 

The full statement can be accessed at the website of the OHCHR.

The committee also underscored the importance of the legacy of colonialsim and the slave trade which still impacts people worldwide, especially people of African decent.