France Denies Systemic Racism in the Police

Riots in France (Photo: dock. intermediate)

JAKARTA - France is refuting a statement from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) who on Friday urged France to tackle the problem of racial discrimination within law enforcement agencies in their country.

"Any accusations of systemic racism or discrimination by the police in France are completely unfounded," the French Foreign Ministry said, cited from Antara.

The French Foreign Ministry said that police officers in France are bound by internal, external and judicial controls as they are implemented in several countries.

The ministry emphasized that "France and its police are fighting resolutely against racism and all forms of discrimination."

"There is no doubt about this commitment," the statement said.

The statement also underlined that the police handled situations of violence "with the utmost professionalism", adding that the use of force by the relevant authorities "is governed by the principles of absolute necessity and proportionality, and is strictly regulated and controlled."

A total of 249 police officers were injured in the rioting that took place in France in recent days, the statement added.

Previously, spokeswoman for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Ravina Shamdasani said that France must urgently address the problems of racism and discrimination in law enforcement in the country.

"This is a moment for the country to seriously address the issues of racism and discrimination embedded in law enforcement," said Shamdasani.

France has experienced a wave of protests after police officers shot dead 17-year-old Nahel in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris on Tuesday (27/6).