1MCB Chambers hosted the UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent and the bereaved family of Chris Kaba as part of the UN Working Group’s  fact-finding visit to the UK to gather information on any forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and assess the human rights situation of people of African descent in the country. They will also follow up on implementation of recommendations made after the experts’ visit to the UK in 2012.

Chris Kaba, 24, was fatally shot by a firearms officer from the Metropolitan Police shortly before 10pm on 5th September in Kirkstall Gardens, Streatham Hill, London. His death is now under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

The UN Working Group delegation was led by Catherine S. Namakula and includes Barbara G. Reynolds and Dominique Day.

As part of the fact finding mission, the Working Group met with government representatives, national institutions, people of African descent, lawyers, civil society organisations and individuals working on issues of racism and racial discrimination.

On 27th January, the Working Group issued a statement at the conclusion of their fact finding mission, finding that the discrimination against people of African descent is “structural, institutional and systemic” in the UK.

The Working Group will present their report on their UK Mission to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2023.