Examining the role of the United Nations in Combating Racism and Discrimination

With its founding principle the promotion and protection of the fundamental human rights of all people, a central purpose of the United Nations is the elimination of racism and discrimination. Through an examination and comparison of cases, this report: 1) examines the basis for UN engagement and how racism and discrimination are addressed within the UN context; 2) provides a mapping of relevant mechanisms and processes; and 3) analyzes the effectiveness of the UN in addressing systemic racism and discrimination, including the effectiveness of the primary mechanisms and processes employed, and through the analysis, examine factors that have inhibited and enabled progress.

Seven case studies were selected to illustrate the diverse array of anti-discrimination tools available to the UN. Four cases were specific to one country: discrimination against Black Americans in the U.S., non-whites in apartheid South Africa, the Rohingya in Myanmar, and the Uighurs in China. Three cases were thematic in nature: discrimination against the European Roma, persons with albinism in Africa, and LGBTI individuals. The report drew lessons that seek to answer: Under what conditions and to what extent might a case of discrimination be brought onto the global agenda? Which UN mechanisms should be employed in the presence or absence of certain factors? What are the obstacles that the UN and other actors need to overcome in order to enable progress? In addressing these questions, the report provided a set of recommendations targeted to UN, regional, state, and independent actors to strengthen future engagement in cases of discrimination.

Learn more about the team's recommendations here: The United Nation’s Role in Combating Racism and Discrimination: 7 Recommendations for Greater Effectiveness.