Germany boycotts UN anti-racism meeting over Durban process controversy

11:47

By: Azzat Manal

Germany boycotts UN anti-racism meeting over Durban process controversy

Germany has decided not to attend a United Nations meeting in New York marking 25 years since the adoption of the Durban Declaration, citing concerns over what it describes as repeated incidents of antisemitism associated with the Durban process.

The German Foreign Ministry said Berlin supports the broader objective of combating racism but has repeatedly criticized antisemitic incidents linked to the original 2001 World Conference against Racism in Durban, South Africa, as well as subsequent review conferences.

The latest meeting was organized to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, which established an international framework for addressing racism, racial discrimination and related forms of intolerance.

The original 2001 conference was marked by sharp disagreements over the treatment of Israel. Palestinian and Syrian representatives criticized Israel over its policies toward Palestinians, while the Israeli and US delegations withdrew from the conference in protest. Subsequent Durban-related events have also faced disputes over antisemitism and the way Israel has been discussed.

Germany was not alone in staying away from the latest gathering. Several countries did not participate, while France and other governments have previously declined to attend related Durban process events.

In a statement explaining Germany’s position, the Foreign Ministry said that Berlin had repeatedly raised concerns about antisemitic incidents associated with the Durban conference and its follow-up meetings. The government therefore chose not to take part in the commemorative event.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres used the meeting to call for stronger efforts to combat racism and discrimination. He said racism continues to affect societies, deepen inequality and deprive people of fundamental rights and freedoms. Other speakers called for greater attention to historical injustices and restorative justice.

Israel had campaigned against holding the commemorative event, while the United States also opposed the gathering. US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said on X that Washington was boycotting what he described as the commemoration of the “disgraceful” Durban conference and urged other countries to follow its position.

The controversy highlights the continuing divisions surrounding the Durban process, which was created to promote international cooperation against racism but has remained politically contentious because of disagreements over antisemitism, Israel and the interpretation of historical grievances.