UN Calls on France to Address Its History of Racist Policing

Rabat – The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said it was time for France to “reckon with its history of racism in policing,” following days of protest over the police shooting of a teenager of Algerian descent.

OHCHR Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani expressed concern over the death of 17-year-old Nahel M, who was shot dead by a police officer during a traffic stop.

In a statement released in Geneva on Friday, Shamdasani stated that an investigation “has been launched into the alleged involuntary homicide.”

“This is a moment for the country to seriously address the deep issues of racism and discrimination in law enforcement,” she said.

In response, France seems to have rejected what is described as “unfounded” allegations of rampant racism within its police forces. “Any accusation of racism or systemic discrimination in the police force in France is totally unfounded,” the country’s foreign ministry said, according to Agence France Presse (AFP).

France has grappled with widespread protests against the killing over the past few days, with several of the protests taking a violent turn. There have been reports of hundreds of clashes with police, as well as incidents of arson and vandalism.

As many across major French cities continue to take to the streets to speak up against police brutality and systemic racism within France’s police force, President Emmanuel Macron has urged parents “to keep their children off the streets.” 

Hundreds have been arrested since the protests started.

“We also emphasize the importance of peaceful assembly,” Shamdasani added in the statement. “We call on the authorities to ensure use of force by police to address violent elements in demonstrations always respects the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, non-discrimination, precaution and accountability.”

Nahel M was shot dead on Tuesday morning in Nanterre, a suburb on the outskirts of Paris.

According to police, officers approached the car for a routine check but the teenager driver accelerated away, prompting the officer to fire a shot that ended up hitting Nahel’s chest at point-blank range.

However, videos posted to social media show officers pointing their weapon through the driver’s window while the vehicle was at a standstill, and the officer opening fire as the vehicle began to move again.