Ariane Mawaffo
In the wake of George Floyd’s murder on 25 May 2020 in the U.S., antiracism defenders and families of victims of police violence have been turning the tables at the UN on anti-Black racism and police brutality. In a new video released today, ISHR is highlighting the essential contributions of defenders and victims' families and paying tribute to Floyd and to all the victims of racially charged police violence.
George Floyd’s murder on 25 May 2020 not only sparked weeks of unprecedented protests across the world but also brought the sense of urgency from the streets of Minneapolis into the Palais des Nations in Geneva where on 17 June 2020 the UN Human Rights Council held a historic urgent debate on racially inspired human rights violations, systemic racism, police brutality against people of African descent and violence against peaceful protests.
ISHR’s new video published today titled « From the streets to the UN » is highlighting that the contributions of defenders and victims’ families are essential and that their voices must continue to be heard at the UN.
The mobilisation calling for an international investigation on systemic racism and police brutality in the U.S. and beyond continues. This would not have been made possible without the mobilisation of the millions of peaceful protesters and defenders worldwide and ISHR reiterates its commitment to support them.
Watch the video:
On 4 May 2025, on the sidelines of the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, ISHR officially launched its new report on the situation of human rights defenders in the African island states: Cape Verde, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Seychelles.
From 28 to 30 April 2025, participants in the NGO Forum held in Banjul, The Gambia, discussed key human rights and democracy issues affecting the continent, as well as the work of defenders. Participants contributed to the adoption of resolutions and recommendations, with a focus on reparations and transitional justice.
During the session of the NGO Forum preceding the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), a panel focused on the enduring impact of colonial-era laws on vulnerable populations across Africa.
