France Faces UN Backlash over Police Racism

Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNCHR) Ravina Shamdasani had urged France, on Friday, to address racism and discrimination in law enforcement.
In press release, the UN official expressed concerns over the killing of 17y old Nahel, who is of North African descent, by the French police on Tuesday. An investigation has been launched into the alleged voluntary homicide.
She also stressed the importance of peaceful assembly. “We urge the authorities to guarantee that the use of force by police to address violent demonstrators always respects the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, non-discrimination, precaution, and accountability. Any claims of disproportionate use of force must be swiftly investigated”, wrote the press release.
667 protesters were arrested in France for stirring violence and attacking the symbols of the Republic. A crisis meeting was held Thursday in an effort to contain the situation which has escalated and resulted in material damage.