UN rights body begins urgent debate on racism, police brutality in U.S.

The UN Human Rights Council on Wednesday afternoon began its urgent debate on racism and police brutality in the follow-up to the killing of George Floyd in the United States, following a request made by Burkina Faso on behalf of the African Group.

A resolution on the topic was expected to be adopted by the Council later Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.

According to the latest program provided by the UN office at Geneva, George Floyd's brother Philonise Floyd and representative of the American Civil Liberties Union are both on the list of opening statement speakers of the urgent debate.

Those who will also address the opening of the urgent debate include UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, and UN Special Rapporteur on racism E. Tendayi Achiume.