CERD concluded dialogues on racial discrimination in France, Guatemala, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sudan, Germany and Denmark (27 April – 7 May 2015)

During its 86th session, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) examined the State parties’ reports from France, Guatemala, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Soudan, Germany and Denmark. Following issues were raised in the meetings with the State parties. Concluding observations will be issued on Friday 15 May.

Reports of State parties and other stakeholders are available at the OHCHR website . You can also watch the public meetings with State parties at UN Treaty Body Webcast .

France

The Committee expressed concern on prevailing hate speech including in the internet. Discrimination against Muslims and the treatment of Roma and travellers were concerned. Violations of indigenous peoples’ rights in oversea territories, such as New Caledonia and French Guyana, were inquired during the meeting which included the rights to self-determination, lands and traditional practices. The situation of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers was also questioned. The Committee emphasised the need of disaggregated statistical data. The Committee welcomed the National Action Plan against Racism and Anti-Semitism 2015-2017. Read more (English/ French) 

Guatemala

The Committee raised various issues concerning indigenous peoples, including the State security personnel’s persistent use of force against the communities and attacks against human rights defenders. The Committee highlighted the lack of prior consultations with indigenous communities for projects which potentially impact their natural resources. Low level of political participation of indigenous peoples in comparison to their population was identified as one of the causes for structural inequality. Inadequate law to protect indigenous lands and recognise traditional justice system was addressed in the meeting. The Committee also emphasised the need to ensure the independence of judiciary. Read more (English) 

Bosnia and Herzegovina

While welcoming various State measures to combat racial discrimination, the Committee was concerned by the incompatibility of the Constitution with the Convention on the treatment of ethnic minorities. The Committee expressed interest in the implementation of the decision of the European Court of Human Rights on the Sejdić-Finci case. The Committee questioned the methodology of the 2013 national population census for the collection of precise disaggregated statistical data. The need for effective measures to support the return of refugees and internally displaced persons was also highlighted. The Committee expressed concern on continuous discrimination against Roma including in education and housing. Read more (English) 

Sudan

Although the Committee welcomed the establishment of the National Human Rights Institution, its independence remained questionable. Ethnic tensions in Darfur, South Kordofan and the Blue Nile were concerned by the Committee. Immunity of certain state officials such as the National Security Agency and the judiciary was also concerned. The situation of ethnic minorities including the Dinka people and the people in the Nuba mountain was inquired. The Committee raised the issues of internally displaced persons, religious minority and complaint mechanisms for victims of racial discrimination. Crackdown on civil society remained a concern of the Committee. Read more (English) 

Germany

The Committee highlighted the narrow definition of racism and racial discrimination in the German law. Racism in election campaigns was urged to be tackled. The Committee expressed concern on activities of racist groups and increasing hate speech. The inclusion and protection measures for refugees and asylum seekers were inquired. The Committee was concerned by prevailing discrimination against Sinti and Roma. The Committee acknowledged discrimination experienced by citizens with migration background as well as LGBTQI persons belonging to minority groups, including in employment and education. The Committee recognised racial profiling by police as discriminatory. Read more (English) 

Denmark

The Committee welcomed the establishment of the anti-discrimination unit and National Action Plan against Racism. Non-incorporation of the ICERD into the domestic law, lack of application of the Convention in domestic courts and low level of prosecution of hate crime were raised as concerns. The status of the Convention and anti-discrimination measures in Greenland and the Faroe Islands were inquired. The Committee emphasised the need for effective measures to combat hate speech both offline and online. The situations of Roma, indigenous peoples, refugees and migrants were also addressed. Read more (English)