France slammed at United Nations over racism, police violence
The Hindu
Several nations voiced concern at the United Nations on May 1 over police violence, including against protesters, in France, as the country headed into another day of mass demonstrations.
Several nations voiced concern at the United Nations on May 1 over police violence, including against protesters, in France, as the country headed into another day of mass demonstrations.
Attacks on migrants, racial profiling and religious intolerance were also raised during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) — which all 193 UN countries must undergo every four years.
France must "take measures to, in a transparent manner, address allegations regarding excessive use of force by police and gendarmerie against protestors during demonstrations", Sweden's representative told the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Other countries raised similar concerns, including Denmark, Liechtenstein and Norway, but also Russia, Venezuela and Iran — three countries that themselves regularly face accusations of police violence and other serious and widespread human rights violations.
"We are concerned about the harsh and sometimes violent measures aimed at dispersing peaceful citizens," Russia's representative Kristina Sukacheva, told the council.
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The criticism came as France braced for up to 1.5 million protesters to fill its streets to mark the May 1 workers day, even as President Emmanuel Macron tries to steer the country on from a divisive pension law that has sparked anger, pan-bashing and social unrest.