43rd session of the Human Rights Council
Urgent Debate
on the current racially inspired human rights violations, systemic racism, police brutality and the violence against peaceful protest
Intervention by Ukraine
(Geneva, June 17, 2020)
Madam President,
Ukraine aligns itself to the statement on behalf of the EU. We express our deep sympathy to the family and friends of George Floyd as well as to those of victims of racism and police brutality in all parts of the world.
The recent mass public demonstrations all over the world, including in the U.S., under the slogan “Black Lives Matter”, is a strong evidence that societies across the globe reject racial violence and demand from their respective governments effective steps to overcome injustice thus fulfilling their obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD). Ukraine fully adheres to freedoms of expression, opinion and peaceful assembly and supports the fight against all forms of racism, discrimination and intolerance everywhere.
We are confident that strong, open and inclusive democratic systems such as in the United States underpinned with the rule of law, genuine civil society and effective checks and balances are able to ensure equality for all. We are encouraged by comprehensive steps and decisions by the US leadership, including recent legislative initiatives aimed at significant police reform. We are confident that the US judiciary system will effectively address the relevant cases. The timely response of the judiciary, including the latest ruling of the US Supreme Court on issue of non-discrimination, which is yet another evidence of democratic traditions and equality ideas being deeply rooted within the American society. Such a wide public debate and involvement prove how the country is united to address challenges it currently faces to achieve even greater social cohesion.
This tragedy gives us an opportunity to learn lessons, which, as events around the world demonstrate, are relevant to all countries across the globe.
I thank you.