Racism against people of African descent remains systematic across much of the globe, according to a United Nations report sparked by the death of George Floyd in the U.S. more than 12 months ago. 

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has called for countries to dismantle discrimination and violence. But the report also focuses on making amends to people of African descent, including through financial compensation.

Floyd's murder by a white police officer in Minneapolis in May 2020 sparked protests across the globe, galvanizing the Black Lives Matter movement and calls for change.

READ MORE:

Spain ditches outdoors face mask rule
 

German warning over Nord Stream 2
 

Indonesia's fast fashion pollution

It was these actions and Floyd's death that also sparked a 12-month global inquiry by the UN into centuries of mistreatment faced by Africans and people of African descent, particularly due to the transatlantic slave trade. 

Now delivered, the report makes it clear that racism against people of African descent remains systemic in many countries today. 

"The status quo is untenable. Systemic racism needs a systemic response," said Bachelet.

"We need a transformative approach that tackles the interconnected areas that drive racism and lead to repeated, wholly avoidable, tragedies like the death of George Floyd. I am calling on all states to stop denying – and start dismantling – racism; to end impunity and build trust; to listen to the voices of people of African descent; and to confront past legacies and deliver redress," she said.

Floyd's brother, Philonise Floyd, shed light not only on the pain of losing his sibling, but living in a culture built on systemic racism.

"We live in this place where it's supposed to be the land of the free. But if people are dying because they looked at their cell phones and people thinking it's a gun, or you're dying because people just scared of you, it's a problem," he said.

'Turning point'

While the report outlines serious systemic problems it aims to speed up action to end racial injustice, make law enforcement accountable, ensure people of African descent are heard and address past wrongs. The report notes: "There is today a momentous opportunity to achieve a turning point for racial equality and justice." 

Part of moving toward equality and justice, as outlined in the report, is making amends for the way minorities have been treated in systemically racist societies. Bachelet said monetary compensation alone is not enough – that it must be part of a suite of measures to help make up for injustices.

Overall, the report seeks to push countries to act quickly and irreversibly to address the way their societies operate to overcome systemic racism.

It says this means offering equal access to necessities such as education, healthcare and housing, as well as reforming justice systems. 

"This will involve reimagining policing and reforming the criminal justice system, which have consistently produced discriminatory outcomes for people of African descent," said Bachelet. "Only approaches that tackle both the endemic shortcomings in law enforcement and address systemic racism – and the legacies it is built on – will do justice to the memory of George Floyd and so many others whose lives have been lost or irreparably damaged."