L’“magnitude” hate speech in France, but also the “discriminatory arrests” carried out by the security forces worry the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD). Its 18 independent experts issued a series of observations and recommendations on Friday, December 2 after examining French policy concerning the country’s minorities.
The committee says “concerned by the persistence and extent of racist and discriminatory discourse, particularly in the media and on the Internet”, but also by “the racist political discourse held by politicians”, whose names are not mentioned, with regard to certain ethnic minorities, in particular the Roma, Travellers, Africans or people of African descent and people of Arab origin. It is also concerned about the social exclusion and persistent poverty suffered by Roma and travellers.
“Redouble your efforts”
CERD notes “the determination and political will of the French government to fight against racism and racial discrimination in all their forms”, but ask France “to redouble efforts to effectively prevent and combat racial hate speech”including through the effective application of legislation, and to sanction any manifestation of racism and racial hatred in public spaces, in particular in the media and on the Internet.
Police violence and racial profiling also alarm experts. The committee emphasizes “the frequent use of identity checks, discriminatory arrests, as well as the application of criminal fixed fines imposed by the police or law enforcement agencies disproportionately targeting certain minorities, in particular African people, of African descent, of Arab origin, Roma, Travelers and non-nationals” French.
He expressed particular concern about the lack of judicial control and traceability of this type of identity check, “which are often accompanied by racist and discriminatory remarks and acts”. Experts call on France to include in its legislation the definition and prohibition of racial or ethnic profiling, and to ensure that it is given to the police and any law enforcement officer “clear guidelines” on the subject.