Britain’s official human rights watchdog has decided to initiate an inquiry into the racial inequalities exposed by the coronavirus pandemic. According to the Equality and Human Rights Commission, this is a “once in a generation” opportunity to create a fairer country by tackling deep-seated inequalities. The move comes after a government-commissioned report published earlier this week stated that people from ethnic minorities have died from the coronavirus in larger relative numbers in England than their white compatriots.
The report is facing several criticisms for not providing any recommendations after not taking account of an array of factors, including occupation, preexisting health conditions, and household densities. Though the government said it is backing further study, the commission said it will use its statutory powers to investigate.
Its chair, David Isaac, said this is “an important step towards ensuring that the deep-rooted inequality faced by ethnic minorities is meaningfully addressed as we rebuild.”
Similarly, the only ones to die from the COVID-19 in St Louis, Missouri during the first few weeks of the outbreak were black. According to a report, 12 people were killed because of virus and all of them were African American.
Even former US President Barack Obama highlighted the issue in virtual commencement addresses to students of historically black colleges and universities.
“Let’s be honest, a disease like this just spotlights the underlying inequalities and extra burdens that black communities have historically had to deal with in this country,” Obama had said.
“We see it in the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on our communities, just as we see it when a black man goes for a jog, and some folks feel like they can stop and question and shoot him if he doesn’t submit to their questioning,” he added.
This remark was in a direct reference to the killing of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery who was shot dead while he out on a jog in Georgia.
