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TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2001

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on Monday adopted a Untied States report on the treatment of minorities in the United States, noting concern over federal Indian policy.

In an eight-page press release, the committee expressed "concern that treaties signed by the government and Indian tribes, described as 'domestic dependent nations' under national law, could be abrogated unilaterally by Congress and that the land they possessed or used could be taken without compensation by a decision of the Government." The committee said the United States had implemented "destructive policies with regard to Native Americans."

While providing a report to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, last week, State Department and Justice Department officials faced questions on Alaska Native and treaty rights. The officials sidestepped the questions, noting only that the government has ratified treaties and recognizes self-governing powers of tribes.

The committee also expressed concern about the death penalty and police brutality.

The State Department under the Clinton administration prepared a 104-page report to comply with the terms of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The Clinton administration signed the agreement in 1994.

Bush officials presented the report over two days. The United Nations will issue final conclusions within the coming weeks.

Get the US Reports:
Final | Draft [pdf]

Get the UN Comments:
COMMITTEE ON ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION ADOPTS CONCLUSIONS ON REPORT OF THE UNITED STATES (8/13)

Get the Story:
US Police Brutality Concerns UN Panel (AP 8/14)

Relevant Links:
Human Rights Issues, State Department - http://www.state.gov/g/drl/hr
World Conference Against Racism, UN - http://www.un.org/WCAR

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