Background

Pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 47/21, the Expert Mechanism is mandated to advance racial justice and equality in the context of law enforcement in all parts of the world by, inter alia conducting country visits, inclusive outreach, and consultations with States, directly affected individuals and communities, and other stakeholders, considering an intersectional approach. Learn more about the Expert Mechanism here.

Objectives

In a spirit of cooperation and dialogue, the Expert Mechanism seeks to understand efforts by Italy to combat systemic racism, including as it relates to structural and institutional racism, excessive use of force, and other human rights violations by law enforcement and the criminal justice system against Africans and people of African descent.

During the visit, the Expert Mechanism will meet government officials, civil society organisations, United Nations representatives, academics, lawyers, victims, and communities, among others. The Mechanism will also conduct site visits and travel to different locations.

After the visit, the Mechanism will publish a mission report with its findings and recommendations to support the Government's efforts to advance racial justice and equality, excessive use of force, and other human rights violations by law enforcement and the criminal justice system against Africans and people of African descent.

Key questions and types of input/comments sought

The Expert Mechanism invites all interested individuals and organizations, notably Africans and people of African descent and their organizations, to send information, including with regard to:

• Recent analytical reports or surveys on structural and institutional racism faced by Africans and people of African descent.
• Information on relevant legislation, policies, programmes, and practices concerning law enforcement, the criminal justice system and Africans and people of African descent.
• Information on alleged excessive use of force and other human rights violations against Africans and people of African descent by law enforcement officials or the criminal justice system, including with regard to patterns, policies, processes and specific incidents.
• Information regarding judicial action, accountability and redress measures taken in response to such allegations.
• Information on good practices and lessons learned in relation to laws, policies and practices seeking to address systemic racism in the context of law enforcement and the justice system.
• Priority issues, concerns and situations that warrant the Expert Mechanism's attention during its visit.
• Suggestions of issues to examine and related places to visit.
• Suggestions of government officials and civil society actors to meet in the different regions.

How inputs will be used?

Submissions will remain confidential. They will be considered for the preparation of the country visit and its subsequent public report.