UN Warns of Deep-Rooted Racism Against People of African Descent in Global Criminal Justice Systems
A new UN report has condemned widespread systemic racism targeting people of African descent within criminal justice systems around the world, emphasizing that discrimination permeates all stages from arrest to post-conviction.
The findings, as published on Jurist News and released by the UN’s International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement, highlight that people of African descent face discriminatory treatment during police investigations, trials, sentencing, and incarceration. JURIST reports the UN asserts that practices such as racial profiling, pre-trial detention, excessive use of force, coerced confessions, and suppression of favorable evidence are particularly common against African individuals. Women and children of African descent are identified as especially vulnerable.
The report links these pervasive injustices to colonial histories, enslavement, and ongoing stereotypes that influence how people of African descent are perceived by law enforcement and judicial actors. JURIST states that these prejudiced perceptions contribute to wrongful convictions, unequal sentencing, and diminished access to rehabilitation or appeal.
In response, the UN experts recommend a comprehensive, human rights–based overhaul of criminal justice systems, urging states to implement at least twelve essential reforms. These include ending racial profiling, collecting disaggregated data to identify bias, ensuring equal access to legal representation, regular review of sentencing disparities, and promoting alternatives to incarceration.
Countries like Suriname and Belgium are called out to review their policies and address systemic disparity. Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General has encouraged member states to accelerate action toward fulfilling commitments under the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, and to consider a new declaration specifically affirming the rights and dignity of people of African descent.
