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:
At the Human Rights Council, Belgium delivered a statement on behalf of over 60 States that 'pays tribute to the numerous achievements and meaningful progress made by women and girls human rights defenders, and emphasises the continued need for their voices to be heard and supported'.
The 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council (16 June to 9 July 2025) will consider issues including civil society space, climate change, sexual orientation and gender identity, violence and discrimination against women and girls, poverty, peaceful assembly and association, and freedom of expression, among others. It will also present an opportunity to address grave human rights situations including in Afghanistan, Belarus, China, Eritrea, Israel and oPt, Sudan, Syria and Venezuela, among many others. Here’s an overview of some of the key issues on the agenda.
During the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), a high-level panel discussion was held on advancing justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations.
