In a news briefing Friday, the U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (C.E.R.D.) vice chairman Noureddine Amir said the "excessive use of force by law enforcement officials against racial and ethnic minorities is an ongoing issue of concern."
"Racial and ethnic discrimination remains a serious and persistent problem in all areas of life from de facto school segregation, access to health care and housing," Amir added. "This is not an isolated event and illustrates a bigger problem in the United States, such as racial bias among law enforcement officials, the lack of proper implementation of rules and regulations governing the use of force, and the inadequacy of training of law enforcement officials."
The U.N. panel also called for a review of the controversial "Stand Your Ground" laws and for further investigation into the shooting.
Several officers in Ferguson have been pulled off duty as a result of brutality. One, who threatened protesters with a gun, was removed earlier in August. Another, who pushed CNN's Don Lemon during a live broadcast, has also been relieved of his duty. In all, the acts in Ferguson have led to a $41.5 million lawsuit against the Ferguson and St. Louis County police forces over civil rights abuses.
The panel isn't the only international call for curbing police misconduct. The New York-based International Action Center held a protest outside NYPD headquarters supporting Michael Brown. The Human rights organization Amnesty International also sent observers to Ferguson. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon commented through spokesperson Stephane Dujarric that authorities should "ensure that the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are protected... He calls on all to exercise restraint, for law enforcement officials to abide by U.S. and international standards in dealing with demonstrators."
Original Article
Source: thewire.com/
Author: SHIRLEY LI
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