Battling Racism, UN-Style
What have we here? Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the only 'prominent' head of state thus far registered for attendance at the Durban II conference set to take place in Geneva in five days' time? What possibly, might that auger? Moreover, that of 150 countries expected to attend the conference a mere 40 have confirmed their participation? How utterly rude.
Tardiness, procrastination is not to be countenanced, in accepting the vital nature of this UN-sponsored event.
There has been much controversy over the wording of the draft text of the declaration to be introduced (Durban Declaration), given the sole focus for condemnation of a single nation at the initial Durban Conference on racism was Israel, identified as racist, a brutal oppressor and a scourge to world society.
Not all those present at the first Durban event were impressed by the proceedings, and not all those expected to attend the current one are anxious for a repeat, however subdued.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urges all member countries of the United Nations to attend, as a duty to combat racism and discriminatory practises, and human rights abuses. "Eight years on, anti-racism pledges and measures have not yet succeeded in relegating discriminatory practises and intolerance to the heap of history's repugnant debris" railed Navi Pillay.
Perhaps the reason may be revealed in the structure of the committee, of which human-rights-abusing countries comprise the leading edge...? Western countries express doubt, are somewhat edgily concerned about the outcome of yet another finger-pointing exercise of blame and shame, despite the assurances of Ban Ki-Moon that all will be different this time around.
"Definitely we will not allow what happened in Durban to happen here", vowed Marie Heuze, head of public information at the U.N. European headquarters in Geneva. "While respecting freedom of speech, within the precincts of the United Nations, we will be vigilant to prevent hate speech, verbal abuse and insults against people of different races and creeds." Sounds compellingly sincere.
Despite which, Canada long ago made the decision that it would not be in a position to present itself at a gathering that promises to re-package its hateful anti-Semitic diatribe yet again. Israel, Italy, Australia and the United States expressed similar doubt. The European Union is chafing under the weight of its collective moral conscience, not quite knowing how it will react.
It is abundantly clear, however, that the new, revised, fair-minded and acceptable 17-page document re-affirms the resolutions of the first World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, held in South Africa in 2001. It is far more discreet, rather less transparent, inferring rather than outright condemning Israel of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
As an occupying force.
Tardiness, procrastination is not to be countenanced, in accepting the vital nature of this UN-sponsored event.
There has been much controversy over the wording of the draft text of the declaration to be introduced (Durban Declaration), given the sole focus for condemnation of a single nation at the initial Durban Conference on racism was Israel, identified as racist, a brutal oppressor and a scourge to world society.
Not all those present at the first Durban event were impressed by the proceedings, and not all those expected to attend the current one are anxious for a repeat, however subdued.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urges all member countries of the United Nations to attend, as a duty to combat racism and discriminatory practises, and human rights abuses. "Eight years on, anti-racism pledges and measures have not yet succeeded in relegating discriminatory practises and intolerance to the heap of history's repugnant debris" railed Navi Pillay.
Perhaps the reason may be revealed in the structure of the committee, of which human-rights-abusing countries comprise the leading edge...? Western countries express doubt, are somewhat edgily concerned about the outcome of yet another finger-pointing exercise of blame and shame, despite the assurances of Ban Ki-Moon that all will be different this time around.
"Definitely we will not allow what happened in Durban to happen here", vowed Marie Heuze, head of public information at the U.N. European headquarters in Geneva. "While respecting freedom of speech, within the precincts of the United Nations, we will be vigilant to prevent hate speech, verbal abuse and insults against people of different races and creeds." Sounds compellingly sincere.
Despite which, Canada long ago made the decision that it would not be in a position to present itself at a gathering that promises to re-package its hateful anti-Semitic diatribe yet again. Israel, Italy, Australia and the United States expressed similar doubt. The European Union is chafing under the weight of its collective moral conscience, not quite knowing how it will react.
It is abundantly clear, however, that the new, revised, fair-minded and acceptable 17-page document re-affirms the resolutions of the first World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, held in South Africa in 2001. It is far more discreet, rather less transparent, inferring rather than outright condemning Israel of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
As an occupying force.
Labels: Israel, Politics of Convenience, United Nations
posted by Pieface | 7:46 PM
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