Human Rights Council 37: General Debate Item 9
This UK statement was delivered at 37th Session of the Human Rights Council during the General Debate on Item 9, held 20 March 2018.
The Human Rights Council takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
As we will celebrate the International Day for the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination, the UK would like to reiterate its strong commitment towards the total elimination of all forms of racial discrimination. The UK Government is committed to creating a fair society in which all people, of whatever ethnic origin or background, are valued and able to participate fully and realise their own potential.
The Prime Minister Theresa May launched the UK’s race disparity audit on the Ethnicity Facts and Figures website in October. The new website – a first of its kind in terms of scale, scope and transparency – covers more than 145 topics in areas including health, education, employment and criminal justice. It highlights the differences in outcomes for people of different backgrounds in the United Kingdom.
The Prime Minister has challenged society to “explain or change” disparities. The audit now means that for our society as a whole – for government, for UK public services – there is nowhere for such disparities to hide. The audit has revealed difficult truths, but the UK is keen to shine a light on injustices in order to make the country work for everyone. The website will now become an essential resource in the battle to defeat ethnic injustice which must be confronted at all levels of society – from central Government to local communities. These issues are now out in the open. And the message is very simple: if these disparities cannot be explained then the UK is committed to changing.
Finally, let me reiterate the willingness of the United Kingdom to exchange best practices on these issues with all States and stakeholders across regions.