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still persist, as well as statistical data on complaints, prosecutions and sentences in
such matters.
25.
The Committee notes with concern allegations of widespread incidence of violent crime
perpetrated against persons of minority sexual orientation, including by law enforcement
officials. It notes with concern the failure to address such crime in the legislation on hate crime
adopted at the federal level and in many states. It notes with concern the failure to outlaw
employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in many states. (articles 2 and 26)
The State party should acknowledge its legal obligation under articles 2 and 26 to
ensure to everyone the rights recognized by the Covenant, as well as equality before
the law and equal protection of the law, without discrimination on the basis of
sexual orientation. The State party should ensure that its hate crime legislation,
both at the federal and state levels, address sexual orientation-related violence and
that federal and state employment legislation outlaw discrimination on the basis of
sexual orientation.
26.
The Committee, while taking note of the various rules and regulations prohibiting
discrimination in the provision of disaster relief and emergency assistance, remains concerned
about information that the poor, and in particular African-Americans, were disadvantaged by the
rescue and evacuation plans implemented when Hurricane Katrina hit the United States, and
continue to be disadvantaged under the reconstruction plans. (articles 6 and 26)
The State party should review its practices and policies to ensure the full
implementation of its obligation to protect life and of the prohibition of
discrimination, whether direct or indirect, as well as of the United Nations Guiding
Principles on Internal Displacement, in matters related to disaster prevention and
preparedness, emergency assistance and relief measures. In the aftermath of
Hurricane Katrina, the State party should increase its efforts to ensure that the
rights of the poor, and in particular African-Americans, are fully taken into
consideration in the reconstruction plans with regard to access to housing, education
and healthcare. The Committee wishes to be informed about the results of the
inquiries into the alleged failure to evacuate prisoners at the Parish prison, as well
as the allegations that New Orleans residents were not permitted by law
enforcement officials to cross the Greater New Orleans Bridge to Gretna, Louisiana.
27.
The Committee regrets that it has not received sufficient information on the measures the
State party considers adopting in relation to the reportedly nine million undocumented migrants
now in the United States. While noting the information provided by the delegation that National
Guard troops will not engage in direct law enforcement duties in the apprehension or detention
of aliens, the Committee remains concerned about the increased level of militarization on the
southwest border with Mexico. (articles 12 and 26)
The State party should provide the Committee with more detailed information on
these issues, in particular on the concrete measures adopted to ensure that only
agents who have received adequate training on immigration issues enforce