Notorious UN Durban declaration is approved as UK objects
THE UNITED Nation Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has reaffirmed its support for the notorious anti-Israel “Durban Declaration”, amid vocal opposition from the UK.
The resolution was passed by 32 votes in favour to 10 against on Monday, with five abstentions. The UK called for a vote at the session instead of allowing the anticipated consensus.
British envoy, Simon Manley, condemned the declaration in an impassioned speech, saying: “Racism should be tackled in all its forms and, regrettably, for far too long, the UN has downplayed the scourge of antisemitism. This must end.”
The declaration originating from the Durban conference in 2001 singled out only Israel as guilty of racism, naming no other states. The event in South Africa had witnessed widespread, open antisemitism.
A 20th anniversary UNHRC conference in New York this year was boycotted by the UK. Mr Manley said in his speech on Monday: “The UK is clear that we will not attend future iterations of the Durban Conference while concerns over antisemitism remain.”
The speech was presented as a joint statement with non-UNHRC member Australia. Foreign secretary Liz Truss tweeted: “The UK is committed to tackling antisemitism and racism around the world.”
Israel-based UN watchdog NGO Monitor said: “The actions by the UK blocking consensus adoption of the HRC resolution on Durban, and voting no, along with nine other countries, was a courageous rejection of UN-sponsored antisemitism. They should be commended.”
Israel is not a UNHRC member, but is believed to have been speaking to countries behind the scenes to try and stop the resolution – which has been approved as a matter of routine by the council every two years – from being passed unopposed.