Inside Story

How can racism against people of African descent be tackled?

A United Nations report set out a four-point plan of action to tackle systemic racism.

“Systemic racism needs a systemic response.”

That is the call to action from the UN Human Rights chief Michelle Bachelet, who released a scathing report into the treatment of people of African descent, particularly in North and Latin America, as well as Europe.

She says governments should “stop denying and start dismantling” racism and build trust among minority communities.

Bachelet argues the time is right to achieve a turning point for racial equality.

But what exactly is needed to achieve that equality?

And are laws enough to end discrimination?

Presenter: Peter Dobbie

Guests:

Peggy Hicks – Director of thematic engagement at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Patricia Francis – A filmmaker and researcher at Nottingham Trent University

Mpanzu Bamenga – A Dutch politician and human rights lawyer