UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

43rd (resumed) Session

Urgent Debate on the “current racially inspired human rights violations,  systemic racism, police brutality and the violence against peaceful protest”

Wednesday 17 June, 15:00

Statement by H.E. Mr. Hasan Kleib, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia, as part of the Convention against Torture Initiative (CTI) and together with Core States of Chile, Denmark, Fiji, Ghana, and Morocco

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Madam President, I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the core States of the Convention against Torture Initiative (CTI), namely Chile, Denmark, Fiji, Ghana, Morocco, and my own country, Indonesia.

Police and other law enforcement actors in all our societies play an incredibly important role so that ordinary citizens can go about their daily lives without fear. Integrity is fundamental for them to be able to perform their functions safely and effectively, and without it, the social contract is fractured.

Yet, regrettably, complaints of police over-reach, corruption or violence are still too common, the consequences of which can be catastrophic and widely and deeply felt. Studies show consistently that vulnerable and marginalised people and communities are at greater risk of being unfairly treated within justice systems.

CTI has been working tirelessly by facilitating exchanges, sharing good practices, and advising on positive police standards.

We know that law enforcement need to be well-trained and professional. We know they need clear and transparent rules, ethnic and gender diverse recruitment and promotions procedures, and independent accountability mechanisms.

The CTI stands ready to respond to global calls for the reimagining of law enforcement. That is why today we call upon on all Member States and police chiefs worldwide to pledge zero tolerance of racism and discrimination, and to review and adjust, wherever needed, laws, policies, procedures and practices to be people-centred and prevention-oriented.