The finding is alarming. According to a team of UN experts, “systemic racism” against the black community contaminates the American police and judicial systems. For 12 days, this team created after the death in 2020 of George Floyd, met in April and May with victims, representatives of civil society, the judicial system, police unions, federal and local officials, in Washington, Atlanta, Los Angeles. Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis and New York.
“Shattering” testimonies
The report, sent this Thursday to the media, underlines the “systemic and deeply rooted racism” towards the black community in the United States and affirms that this “legacy of slavery (…) is spreading throughout all the forces of the American order and justice system. “We have heard dozens of heartbreaking testimonies about how victims are not getting justice or reparation,” one of the experts, Tracie Keesee, said in a statement.
“This is a systemic problem that requires a systemic response. All relevant stakeholders, including police departments and police unions, must join forces to combat the prevailing impunity,” she demanded.
Three times more likely to be killed by the police
According to the report, studies have shown that African Americans are three times more likely to be killed by police than the white population, and 4.5 times more likely to be incarcerated. “There is strong evidence suggesting that the abusive behavior of certain police officers is part of a larger pattern,” observed investigator Juan Mendez.
“The attitudes of the American police and criminal justice system reflect the attitudes of American society,” he said, emphasizing the “pressing need for comprehensive reform.” In this regard, the report issues 30 recommendations for the American administration and the 18,000 police departments in the United States. The group of experts calls in particular for armed police officers to no longer be the first to be automatically sent to the scene when it comes to crisis situations, particularly in relation to issues of mental health, the homeless, traffic and school.