Racism has no place at the United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has taken a strong stance on tackling racism and discrimination of all forms at the Organization. In line with his strategic action plan on addressing racism and promoting dignity at the UN, UN Geneva has appointed an Anti-Racism Advocate and a Working Group Against Racism. Together with staff, the group is working to locally implement the Secretary-General’s strategy.

The working group submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations for the Geneva duty station, addressing key areas such as staff selection and movement, performance management, justice systems and training.

Director-General Tatiana Valovaya endorsed these recommendations, acknowledging the urgency of tackling racism within the UN: “Unfortunately, racial discrimination is alive and well at the United Nations,” said Ms. Valovaya. “As surveys have indicated, a great number of staff have experienced various forms of racial discrimination at the workplace. This is unacceptable, and it is why I have committed to address the issue of racism at UN Geneva.” The Director-General said the Organization’s focus had primarily been on states and their human rights obligations towards their citizens and residents. She said it was essential the UN ensured its own “house was in order”.