GENEVA (28 June 2021) – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Monday issued an urgent call for States to adopt a “transformative agenda” to uproot systemic racism, as she published a report casting a spotlight on the litany of violations of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights suffered by people of African descent – on a daily basis and across different States and jurisdictions.

“We will rebuild, reconcile, and recover in every known nook of our nation and every corner called our country, our people diverse and beautiful will emerge battered and beautiful. When day comes we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid, the new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”

Archbishop Desmond Tutu is receiving the Human Rights Global Treasure Award from Article3.org, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to advancing peace, equity, equality, and human rights; and his unwavering commitment to speaking out on behalf of those often pushed to the margins of society. The award was announced today as part of the annual celebration of Human Rights Day, at a virtual event where peers paid tribute to Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The event also featured a deeper discussion of how to continue advancing human rights in a world beset by increasing polarization and a global pandemic.

Our past breaths do not bind our future breaths. I can battle for the soul of justice. And so can you. And so can we. Like our ancestors, for our children. We can change the world for Gianna Floyd. We can—once and for all—win the battle between the souls of America.

Presidential elections in the United States are always rough-and-tumble affairs, but the 2020 election is different. While Americans have grown used to a certain level of rancour in these quadrennial campaigns, they have not in living memory faced the realistic prospect that the incumbent may reject the outcome or that armed violence may result. That has changed in 2020 because of the emergence of risk factors that would spell trouble in any country: political polarisation bound up with issues of race and identity; the rise of armed groups with political agendas; the higher-than-usual chances of a contested outcome; and, in President Donald Trump, a leader who has too often courted conflict to advance his personal and political interests. The likelihood of unrest may ebb and flow as the dynamics of the campaign shift, but it is almost certain to remain, and it will increase if either side forms the impression that the vote has been rigged.

As we head into the last weekend before Election Day, we at the ACLU wanted to reach out with a few reminders and reassurances around this incredibly pivotal time.

The main thing to remember – other than to vote, of course – is that this election is happening during a pandemic. That means Tuesday may look a bit different, and we want you to feel as prepared for it as possible. Here are a few important points to keep in mind:

Final results will not come in on election night. That's okay. Voting by mail is one of the safest ways for many to cast their ballot this year due to COVID-19. But processing these ballots takes more time – and many states don't start processing the ballots until Election Day itself or until the ballot is received, which may be after Election Day. Election night returns have always been mere projections, but this year especially, we need to wait for the final results. Take a breath, and remember counting every vote with accuracy is far more important to our country's future than rushing the results.

The ACLU will be ready to protect your civil liberties – and the vote – no matter what. Our attorneys and organizers are prepared in all 50 states to take action for you and all our rights on Tuesday and beyond. If someone tries to declare a winner before every vote gets counted – we'll be here. If there's an attempt to subvert our country's democratic process – we'll be here. We've been fighting all year to make sure everyone's fundamental right to vote is secure, and we're not stopping now.

If you haven't done so before Election Day, vote. And if you have voted already, then check in with three friends over the weekend about their plans, too. You can find and share specific voting information for your state here, as well as resources on your local down-ballot races and ways to get involved beyond casting your ballot.

We know it's been a tough week, Darian, and an even more challenging year. But we're in the final stretch of this election, and the more prepared we all are the better.

Please take a moment to go over our voting guide one more time and together, we can finish this election strong to protect the civil liberties we all believe in.

For our democracy,

Molly McGrath

Pronouns: she, her, hers

ACLU campaign strategist, fighting for voting rights

“I’ve come to the conclusion that our work as activists is always to prepare the next generation. To create new terrains so that those who come after us will have a better opportunity to get up and engage in even more radical struggles. And I think we’re seeing this now.” Angela Davis

In Memory of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020)

Glen Galaich, CEO of the Stupski Foundation, explores a new model to improve philanthropy's impact. He shares three important lessons from the foundation's spend down that can apply to all foundations. They are community, impact, and investment.

From the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation

An invitation to the 10th Annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture. This year the speakers will be Vanessa Nakate and Greta Thunberg on the topic Climate Justice Globally : Now and for the Future. Registration

by Ta-Nehisi Coates

“Something is happening, and I think to understand it, we must better understand the nature of this Great Fire.”

by Karen Smith, UN Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect

We need to recognise that we have a responsibility to protect ourselves, our neighbours, and the wider international community, not only because it is a moral duty, and a collective commitment, but perhaps more importantly, because of our shared humanity. R2P@15

by Barack Obama

Former President Barack Obama paid tribute to Representative John Lewis at his funeral, and called on lawmakers to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.

from HRW

Human Rights Watch urges that United States police reform initiatives address three critical issues: Reducing the role of police in addressing societal problems; Investing in communities to advance public safety and equal rights; and Developing independent accountability and oversight mechanisms.

by Ibram X. Kendi

The abolition of slavery seemed as impossible in the 1850s as equality seems today. But just as the abolitionists of the 1850s demanded the immediate eradication of slavery, immediate equality must be the demand today. Abolish police violence. Abolish mass incarceration. Abolish the racial wealth gap and the gap in school funding. Abolish barriers to citizenship. Abolish voter suppression. Abolish health disparities. Not in 20 years. Not in 10 years. Now. The End of Denial