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OHCHR 
OHCHR and racism
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Ending racism and all related forms of discrimination is vital. And it will help build a better world for all of us.
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Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, February 2021
About racism and human rights
Racism and racial discrimination occur daily to millions of people around the world. Racism and intolerance destroy lives and communities. The United Nations has been concerned with this issue since its foundation, and the prohibition of racial discrimination is enshrined in all core international human rights instruments. When States ratify these instruments, they agree to obligations such as eradicating discrimination in the public and private spheres. States also agree to adopt special measures to eliminate conditions which cause or help to perpetuate racial discrimination. While progress has been made in overcoming racism worldwide, much remains to be achieved.
Our work on racism
The struggle against racism is at the heart of the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. OHCHR has direct responsibility for:
- Taking stock of and monitoring progress on accountability and redress for racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
- Coordinating the programme of activities for the International Decade of People of African Descent 2015-2024
- Conducting thematic research and advocacy to address racism and racial discrimination
- Supporting the UN anti-racism mechanisms
- Supporting capacity of national authorities and other stakeholders to prevent and combat racism and racial discrimination
See examples and learn more about the work we do.
Calls for Input
Latest reports
A/HRC/51/53
Promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Africans and of people of African descent through transformative change for racial justice and equalityPrepared pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 47/21, the present report contains information on developments and initiatives undertaken by States and others to address manifestations of systemic racism against Africans and people of African descent, including in the area of law enforcement, and to advance accountability and redress for victims, including for legacies of enslavement, the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and colonialism.
A/HRC/47/53
Report of the High Commissioner on Human Rights Council resolution 43/1The agenda towards transformative change for racial justice and equality is a seminal work. It highlights a way forward towards reversing cultures of denial, dismantling systemic racism and accelerating the pace for action.
A/75/561
2020 report of the Secretary-GeneralThe UN Secretary-General makes a global call for concrete action for the total elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.
A/HRC/45/47
2020 mid-term report of the UN High Commissioner for Human RightsThis report highlights the activities in follow-up to the implementation of the programme within the framework of the International Decade for People of African Descent.
Latest publication
This document provides technical assistance to States and all relevant stakeholders to help draw up national action plans to give effect to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and the Outcome Document of the Durban Review Conference.
Latest resources
This document features 11 stories of fellows of African descent, providing a snapshot of the important and inspiring work achieved to promote the human rights of people of African descent throughout the world.
Activities
Statement of the UN Anti-Racism Mechanisms delivered at the Meeting with the UN Secretary-General, UN HQ, New York
(UN Press release: Secretary General Discusses Anti-Racism Agenda with United Nations Experts)
26 October 2023