Philonise Floyd, the brother of George, asked the United Nations (UN) to step up and investigate the death of African Americans at the hands of American police officers.
Floyd addressed the UN Human Rights Council.
Referring to the slogan and movement, the brother of George Floyd argued that black lives do not matter right now in the US. The head of UN Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said that there was excessive use of force used in the arrest and eventual death of the older Floyd.
Bachelet was speaking from the bottom of her heart as she had previously served as the President of Chile, which also has its experience with slavery and imperialism. She called for every country to look back into their history to address and fix the errors of many generations.
In particular, Floyd called for the UN to establish an independent investigative organization to look into the death of African Americans who are under police custody. He also called for the organization to look into the abuse of force as peaceful protestors are persecuted.
Floyd addressed the delegates and the UN virtually. The meeting was hosted by representatives of African nations who usually meet in Geneva, where the UN Human Rights headquarter is located at.
He explained how the gruesome 8 minute video of his brother’s death perfectly encapsulated how African Americans are treated in the US, despite the abolishment of slavery and the passing of the Civil Rights Act.
Referring to the African delegates as his brothers, the younger Floyd call for them to protect and stand up for African Americans to bring justice to his late brother. He did not mince his words, saying explicitly that his family and African Americans needed help from the outside.
He also mentioned how the American police forces were treating peaceful protestors like criminals, although that attitude is the very point that the demonstrations were against.
As of now, it is unclear whether Floyd’s call for an international organization will be realized. Although the US has ceased participating in the Human Rights Commission after President Trump was elected, many believe it would be difficult for countries to support an investigation narrowly focused on the US.
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Replaced!