Us Human Rights Network

USHRN released our annual 2019-2020 Human Rights Report on May 11, the original date for the UN Universal Periodic Review of the US before its postponement due to COVID-19. It was released on that date to show that civil society remains committed to holding the US accountable to its human rights obligations. The report highlighted the serious on-the-ground issues that our grassroots members face daily--in their own words.After the murder of George Floyd, USHRN worked with the ACLU and Professor Gay McDougall to write a letter to the UN Human Rights Council requesting a Special Session on police violence against people of African Descent and repression of protests. It was endorsed by family members of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Michael Brown, and other families, and 690 global organizations.The request was granted, and on June 11 the UNHRC held a historic 2-day Urgent Debate that included testimony from Philonise Floyd, George Floyd's brother. The Debate concluded with the passing of Resolution 43/1, which called for a report from the High Commissioner. We remain hopeful that the High Commissioner's pending report on systemic racism, police brutality, and violence against peaceful protestors will center the lived experiences of victims of police violence and be a helpful tool in holding the US accountable.