Durban II: The Declaration of 2001 and the Middle East

Here are extracts of what was said about the Middle East and anti-Semitism in the Declaration and Program of Action (DDPA), adopted by consensus at the World Conference against Racism in 2001.

•     (Several states, including the United States and Israel have decided to boycott Durban II, arguing that the draft’s final declaration contains the text of 2001).
      
      Paragraph 63: 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 the establishment of an independent state and the right to security of all States in the region, including Israel, and urge all States to support the process Peace and complete it quickly;
      
      Paragraph 151: Regarding the situation in the Middle East, the Conference advocated an end to violence and the quick resumption of negotiations, respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, respect for the principle of self-determination and end of all suffering, to enable Israelis and Palestinians to resume the peace process and to develop and prosper in security and freedom;
      
      Paragraph 58. We recall that the Holocaust must never be forgotten;
      
      Paragraph 61. We also recognize with deep concern the increase of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in various parts of the world, and the emergence of racial and violent movements based on racism and discriminatory ideas against Jewish, Muslim and Arab communities;
      
      Paragraph 150. Urges States, in their fight against all forms of racism, to recognize the need to fight against anti-Semitism, anti-Arab racism and Islamophobia in the world, and urges all States to take effective measures to prevent the formation of movements based on racism and discriminatory ideas concerning the communities in question.
      
      
  Ennaharonline/ M. O.