Credit: Gary Raynaldo /  ©Diplomatic Times /  U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo  briefs reporters at Department of State headquarters in Washington D.C. 

By Gary Raynaldo     DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

U.S.  Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Saturday that a historic United Nations Human Rights Council vote condemning racism amid the death of American George Floyd amounted to hypocrisy.  Pompeo released a statement one day after the UN HRC vote which the Secretary of State titled:  ‘On the Hypocrisy of UN Human Rights Council’.  The UN HRC  will launch a report to address systemic racism against people of African descent by law enforcement agencies amid the Floyd death. The unarmed African-American’s death on 25 May was captured on video while a police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes in Minneapolis, sparking worldwide protest. 

“The United Nations Human Rights Council, now comprised of Venezuela and recently, Cuba and China, has long been and remains a haven for dictators and democracies that indulge them.  It is a grave disappointment to those genuinely seeking to advance human dignity. Even so, the Council’s decision to vote yesterday on a resolution focusing on policing and race in the United States marks a new low.”

-U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo 

He said the ongoing civic discourse about the tragic death of George Floyd in the United States “is a sign of our democracy’s strength and maturity.   Pompeo added “Americans work through difficult societal problems openly, knowing their freedoms are protected by the Constitution and a strong rule of law. We are serious about holding individuals and institutions accountable, and our democracy allows us to do so”. 

U.S. Withdrew  From UN Human Rights Council 

In June 2018,  the U.S.   announced it was withdrawing from the UN Human Rights Council, the world body’s primary organ for promoting and protecting the rights of people worldwide.

“Unfortunately, the Council has once again reaffirmed the wisdom of our decision to withdraw in 2018. If the Council were serious about protecting human rights, there are plenty of legitimate needs for its attention, such as the systemic racial disparities in places like Cuba, China, and Iran.” – Pompeo

George Floyd’s Brother Addressed UN Human Rights Council

Credit / UN News/Daniel Dickinson  /  George Floyd, an African American, was killed after being restrained by police in the United States.

Many expressed sympathy for the family of Mr. Floyd, whose brother also addressed Council members in Geneva, in a passionate pre-recorded video message in which he urged the United Nations to act.

Floyd delivered his message in the Council’s first Urgent Debate on racism, alleged police brutality and violence against protesters, who have marched by the million, after being sickened by the manner of George Floyd’s death, called by the African Group of nations.

“You watched my brother die.  That could have been me,” he said in an impassioned recording. “I am my brother’s keeper. You in the United Nations are your brothers’ and sisters’ keepers in America, and you have the power to help us get justice for my brother George Floyd.  I am asking you to help him.  I am asking you to help me. I am asking you to help us. Black people in America.” 

-Philonise Floyd,  brother  of  George Floyd