Statement from Sanda Ojiambo, CEO & Executive Director, UN Global Compact, on the death of João Alberto Silveira Freitas

UNITED NATIONS, New York, 25 November 2020 — The death of João Alberto Silveira Freitas following a barbaric assault at the hands of security guards at Carrefour in Porto Alegre, Brazil is yet another wake up call for private sector companies everywhere battling against racism and inequality. 

The fact that Mr. Freitas, an Afro-Brazilian, died on the eve of Black Consciousness Day in Brazil makes it all the more poignant of a reminder that racism continues to be a constant challenge to our progress to build fairer and more just societies and achieve the vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in which no one is left behind.

Since Carrefour is a signatory of the UN Global Compact, we have contacted the company asking for more information. We expect all our participating companies to uphold our Ten Principles and implement the Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights. We are closely monitoring the situation and will await the outcome of the official investigation. 

Rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, our human rights principles specifically call on business to support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights and make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses. 

Today, let me emphasize our commitment to work tirelessly with companies everywhere to uphold our Ten Principles and the corporate responsibility to respect and support human rights.

In Brazil, as much as in any other country, diversity is a strength, not a weakness. To pave the way towards real change, all of society — the private sector, Governments, civil society, academia, local authorities and more — must work together to reduce inequalities, strengthen social protection systems, eliminate all forms of discrimination and provide equal opportunities. 

Since June, when the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, United States sparked global outrage, I have been encouraged to see leadership from the business community in recognizing and pushing back against systemic racism. 

By working together, we can unite in the business of a better world, one free of discrimination, hate and violence.

My colleagues and I at the UN Global Compact urge business leaders in every country to speak up and use their influence to root out systemic racism and stand in solidarity with those facing injustice.

Businesses can take specific anti-racist actions to reject injustices and support marginalized groups:

• Speak up and take action: Be vocal in advocating for the elimination of discrimination and inequalities and respect and support human rights. Ensure your company's statements are backed up by stronger policies, investments and actions that systematically tackle racism and inequalities.

• Educate and show leadership from the top: Chief Executive Officers and those in leadership positions in your business should educate themselves using available anti-racist resources and encourage employees throughout your operations — from the C-suite down — to do the same. Provide anti-racist trainings on racial justice, inequality and discrimination.

• Invest in Black people and other marginalized people of colour: Commit to closing the opportunity gap through education, internships and employment. Donate to anti-racist organizations that work to undo institutionalized racism through policy engagement, advocacy and training.

RESOURCES:

• Explore our human rights principles

• Learn about human rights

• Use the human rights and business learning tool to advance your efforts

• Develop a human rights policy

• See a list of working groups tackling race and racism (from OHCHR)

• View Human Rights Council resolution 43/1 (draft)