The UN World Conference on Racism concluded by adopting a
declaration that did not specifically criticize Israel, but
which recognized the "plight" of the Palestinians and the
injustice of slavery and colonialism, after nine days of
contentious debate that repeatedly threatened to unravel the
gathering.
Compromises on both issues were reached one day after the
conference had been scheduled to end.
Even as they accepted the compromise on the Middle East, Arab
states registered their reservations that the conference would
not directly condemn Israel for its treatment of
Palestinians.
In a closing session that lasted beyond a final deadline when
the interpreters had to leave, the conference adopted a
program of action and declaration that was to serve as a
global blueprint to fight racism.
But much of the debate was overshadowed by the disputes over
whether to provide an apology and reparations for slavery and
whether the document should condemn Israel's treatment of
Palestinians.
The Israeli government expressed satisfaction that the
conference of racism did not include any condemnation of
Israel or the Jewish people.
The deal reached on the Middle East was based on a South
African compromise accepted earlier by the European Union, but
initially rejected by Arab states.
The compromise recognized the Holocaust and condemned
antisemitism and Islamophobia and also expressed concern
"about the plight of the Palestinian people under foreign
occupation." But it did not specifically criticize Israel or
mention Zionism.
"Israel is satisfied that the clauses full of hate and
incitement against it and the Jewish people were removed from
the conference's final document," the Foreign Ministry said in
a statement. The world rejected the attempt of the "extreme
Arab states to take over the conference and turn it into a
platform for deriding Israel," the ministry added.
Israel walked out of the meeting together with the U.S. to
protest against its anti-Israeli positions after a compromise
proposed by Norway failed.
Excerpts From Conference Declaration
Following are excerpts from the Middle East declaration
approved by the United Nations conference in Durban, South
Africa.
1. We are conscious of the fact that the history of humanity
is replete with major atrocities as a result of the gross
violation of human rights and believe that lessons can be
learned through remembering history to avert future
tragedies.
2. We recall that the Holocaust must never be forgotten.
3. We recognize with deep concern religious intolerance
against certain religious communities, as well as the
emergence of hostile acts and violence against such
communities because of their religious beliefs and their
racial or ethnic origin in various parts of the world which in
particular limit their right to freely practice their
belief.
4. We also recognize with deep concern the increase in
antisemitism and Islamophobia in various parts of the world,
as well as the emergence of racial and violent movements based
on racism and discriminatory ideas against Jewish, Muslim and
Arab communities.
5. We are conscious that humanity's history is replete with
terrible wrongs inflicted through lack of respect for the
equality of human beings and note with alarm the increase of
such practices in various parts of the world, and we urge
people, particularly in conflict situations, to desist from
racist incitement, derogatory language and negative
stereotyping.
We are concerned about the plight of the Palestinian people
under foreign occupation.
We recognize the inalienable right of the Palestinian people
to self-determination and to the establishment of an
independent state, and we recognize the right to security for
all states in the region, including Israel, and call upon all
states to support the peace process and bring it to an early
conclusion.
6. We call for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the
region in which all peoples shall coexist and enjoy equality,
justice and internationally recognized human rights, and
security.
7. We recognize the right of refugees to return voluntarily to
their homes and properties in dignity and safety, and urge all
states to facilitate such return.
