The International Commission Inquiry Report
The report of the International Commission Inquiry on Systemic Racist Police Violence Against People of African Descent in the United States (U.S.) was released last month. It meticulously details information regarding the egregious treatment of Black people by law enforcement in this country. The statistics, statements, and recounting of incidents made it a difficult and mentally exhausting document to read.
Aside from the content, it is also a lot of information to take in. The report is 188 pages long, and includes 526 separate items, not counting the appendices. There are 439 footnotes, as well as a 25-page in-depth summary of the 44 cases of police violence (only 1 of which did not result in the death of a Black person) which were presented at the hearings. Anyone who is inclined to read through the entire report should make the effort, as this is the only way to get a full understanding of what led the Commission to its ultimate conclusion. However, it is understandable that many will be unable to read through the entire report.
The quote from this report that pretty much sums it all up:
“The findings of the Commissioners demonstrate a prima facie case of Crimes against Humanity warranting an investigation by the ICC. The crimes include murder, severe deprivation of physical liberty, torture, persecution of people of African descent, and other inhumane acts, which occurred in the context of a widespread or systematic attack directed against the civilian population of people of African descent in the U.S.” (Page 121, Item #451)
After reading, I started searching for articles or stories about the release, and the content, of this report. At the time of my writing this piece, I have found 3 reports from larger outlets on this Commission. There was a piece in The Guardian, which you can read here; an article in Newsweek; and a short piece on news ABC13. There were a number of smaller outlets discussing the report, but otherwise, no coverage in major new media.
Then I came across this little gem on Twitter:
Recently both the president and the vice-president denied the existence of racism in this country. As this report was a direct indictment of law enforcement, and the lack of action by the courts and government to stop the systemic and widespread attack on Black people, I wondered the purpose of this statement? Whose human rights and fundamental freedoms is Biden referring to? Is his denial of racism not already a sign of his silence in the face of gross violations of basic human rights?
These questions led me to want to ensure that any person interested in learning more about The Report of the International Commission Inquiry on Systemic Racist Police Violence Against People of African Descent in the U.S. would be able to do so, without having to read the entire report.
Below are links to summaries of the report broken out into five more manageable sections. The link will lead you to my website (www.isyourlifebetter.com) and out of Medium. It is my deepest hope that others will join my effort to bring light to this report, as well as the many recommendations found in Section 5. We must force action on behalf of the people of African descent who will continue to suffer these atrocities without change. This report must be reviewed and acknowledged by as many people as possible.
Section 1: The Introduction — Report Sections I, II and II
Information on the International Human Rights Laws; the formation and purpose of the Commission; and the history of racism within law enforcement and policy in the U.S.
Section 2: The Facts — Report Section IV
Information on the facts discovered by the Commission through research, studies and hearing testimony.
Section 3: The Findings — Report Sections V and VI
Information on the ultimate findings of the Commission including specific violations and the non-compliance of U.S. law and policy.
Section 4: The Crimes — Report Section VII
Information on the specific crimes committed, including remedies and prosecution options for accused crimes.
Section 5: The Recommendations — Report Section VIII
Information on the specific recommendations made by the Commission for a varied list of responsible parties within the U.S. and interested parties abroad.
For those, who want to read the entirety of the Commission report for themselves. Please click here to access a complete copy of The Report of the International Commission Inquiry on Systemic Racist Police Violence Against People of African Descent in the United States.