Statement from the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) on the Derek Chauvin Trial Verdict

The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) issued the following statement today regarding the Derek Chauvin trial verdict.

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It’s been nearly one year since we all witnessed the horrific, senseless murder of George Floyd by the hands of law enforcement. And until yesterday, we wondered if Derek Chauvin would be held accountable for his crimes. While we are relieved that Chauvin has been found guilty on all three counts for robbing a man of his life, we must not confuse the relief of this conviction for complacency or pride in our systems. This verdict does not fix what is broken. It does not return George Floyd to his family, and it does not mean justice has been served.

Let us be clear: when a public servant sworn to protect and serve commits murder or abuses their power, justice can never truly be recovered. Accountability in this trial alone will not remediate our nation’s long history of oppression, systemic racism, police brutality, and human rights abuses against Black Americans. But we can use this moment to mark a turning point for change — only if we truly commit to rebuilding our systems. 

As long-standing champions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and stewards of Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, we call on our national network of UN advocates to use their voices to call out injustices against Black people, whether it’s happening here in the U.S. or somewhere else in the world. Most importantly, we call on our members, partners, and leaders to stay active and demand change.

Black Lives Matter. It is time for America’s systems and values to reflect that.

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About UNA-USA: 

The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) is a grassroots movement of Americans who support the vital work of the United Nations in U.S. communities, colleges, and Congress. For more than 75 years, UNA-USA and its national network of 20,000 members and 200 chapters have promoted strong U.S. leadership at the UN through advocacy campaigns, youth engagement, outreach programs, and public events. Learn more.