Obama Administration to Boycott UN’s “Racism” Conference
EmailThe Obama administration quietly announced this weekend that it would boycott an international conference about racism and discrimination because of concerns that the conference unfairly singles out Israel for criticism and because the conference may set the stage for restrictions on free speech.
The United Nations conference is set to begin tomorrow in Geneva, Switzerland.
Protesting what their leaders see as anti-Semitic and anti-Israel overtones to the conference, Australia, Canada, Israel, Italy and Sweden are also not sending delegations.
Acting U.S. State Department spokesman Robert Wood Saturday issued a statement saying that the 2009 Durban Review Conference draft outcome document "still contains language that reaffirms in toto the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) from 2001, which the United States has long said it is unable to support" because it "singles out one particular conflict and prejudges key issues that can only be resolved in negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians."
"Its inclusion in the review conference document has the same effect as inserting that original text into the current document and re-adopting it," Wood said. In addition, he added that the United States "also has serious concerns with relatively new additions to the text regarding ‘incitement,’ that run counter to the U.S. commitment to unfettered free speech." Earlier drafts of the document expressed disapproval of any "defamation of religion."
Wood said: "Therefore, with regret, the United States will not join the review conference."
Human rights organizations expressed disappointment at the decision.
“From the outset we have shared Washington’s deep concern about the efforts by some governments to use the racism meeting to single out Israel for criticism and to promote the idea that religions should be protected over rights, ” said Juliette de Rivero, Geneva advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. “But governments have now excised troubling language about the Middle East and ‘defamation of religion’ from the meeting’s draft resolution.”
Congressional Black Caucus chair Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., said the CBC was "deeply dismayed" by the President’s decision.
“This decision is inconsistent with the administration’s policy of engaging with those we agree with and those we disagree with,” she said. "By boycotting Durban, the U.S. is making it more difficult for it to play a leadership role on U.N. Human Rights Council as it states it plans to do. This is a missed opportunity, plain and simple.”
The announcement was not unexpected.
In February, Wood said that "the document being negotiated has gone from bad to worse, and the current text of the draft outcome document is not salvageable." United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice told Politico’s Ben Smith that the document was "rife with anti-Israeli and other problematic substance" and "not a credible basis for a responsible outcome." The Obama administration had worked with the Russian leaders chair the conference, as well as senior United Nations officials, on making changes to the document.
Ultimately some changes were made — and specific mentions of Israel were removed — but not enough to satisfy American policymakers.
The draft outcome document specifically "(r)eaffirms the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), as it was adopted at the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in 2001."
Much of the debate at the 2001 conference focused on whether or not Zionism was inherently racism, prompting the US and Israeli delegations to withdraw from the conference. An early draft called Israel "a racist apartheid state" and referred to Israel’s "systematic perpetration of racist crimes, including war crimes, acts of genocide and ethnic cleansing."
The final language in the DDPA 2001 document, was much tamer, though no other country or struggle except for the Israel-Palestinian conflict was singled out for criticism.
"We are concerned about the plight of the Palestinian people under foreign occupation," it stated. "We recognize the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to the establishment of an independent State and we recognize the right to security for all States in the region, including Israel, and call upon all States to support the peace process and bring it to an early conclusion."
Calling the conference "a celebration of racism and vile anti-Semitic activity" and "further evidence of the U.N.’s inability to demonstrate any semblance of fairness or objectivity on these issues when it comes to the Jewish State," the American Israel Public Affairs Committee issued a statement applauding President Obama’s decision as "the right thing to do and underscores America’s unstinting commitment to combating intolerance and racism in all its forms and in all settings."
– jpt
Can Mitt Romney Win Conservatives Back? 
Possible Contraception Compromise in D.C.
Obama did the right thing for once and stood up for Israel.
Posted by: BigGator5 | April 19, 2009, 8:46 am 8:46 am
don’t neglect to mention that the 2001 declaration and resolution not only condemned anti-semitism and the holocaust, but also recognized Israel’s right to exist.
Posted by: Flash Override | April 19, 2009, 8:48 am 8:48 am
Wow, I believe this is one of, if not the only, things Obama has done that I actually agree with. I’ll give credit where credit is due on this one.
However, I really wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see a flip flop before it’s all over. But for now, good job on this one.
Posted by: TxBoB | April 19, 2009, 10:05 am 10:05 am
Another great Job by Obama and his administration.
Posted by: Mr.Trueman | April 19, 2009, 10:23 am 10:23 am
It’s spelled ‘quietly’ not ‘quitely’.
Posted by: Madi | April 19, 2009, 10:32 am 10:32 am
When Obama does something right, he is to be congratulated for it. This is one of those times.
How generous of them in 2001–Israel really has a right to exist?
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | April 19, 2009, 10:32 am 10:32 am
It is quite obvious given the facts that America is a racist and class oriented society; and it has supported existance of a country based on religious ground, and split on religion. Isn’t betraying its own constitution hypocrisy? How can then US face the conscience of facing racist conference?
Posted by: sam | April 19, 2009, 10:34 am 10:34 am
Free speech trumps “defamation of religion”. Good job, USA, for refusing to participate in this insidious sham disguising itself as good. I am weary of religious entities of all types trying to inject their ideology into public policy. When you mix belief with politics, what you get is manipulation, control, and corruption of both the belief system and the government. Racism is abhorrent to me, but I am grateful the US is not willing to fall for what is obviously a sneaky geo-political ploy.
Posted by: iamwomaninfl | April 19, 2009, 10:48 am 10:48 am
When free speech goes so will a nation!
Posted by: SureEnough08 | April 19, 2009, 10:49 am 10:49 am
The is merit to the conference if the international community is endorsing it. The U.S. would rather not hear anything negative about their fellow bully.. I mean ally.
Posted by: David | April 19, 2009, 10:50 am 10:50 am
Fascist Hyena,
You seem not to understand the implications.
This leaves Israel as the only government in the world that refuses to recognize the borders of Israel.
Posted by: Flash Override | April 19, 2009, 10:54 am 10:54 am
On top of my last post, we should boycott the conference if there is any intention of restricting free speech. People should be free to criticize anything, including the largest frauds in human history.. I mean religions.
Posted by: David | April 19, 2009, 10:55 am 10:55 am
Spinning facts around egregious crimes against humanity in order to protect “free speech” is really cold hearted! Who’s ‘free speech’is being protected? The ones with bulldozers and M-18s who will take over a land or home in name of ‘free speech’? Or the ones roaming streets with guns and taking over the weak and minor?
Learn to face your own conscience America!
Posted by: sam | April 19, 2009, 11:03 am 11:03 am
Constitution of America – the document that is basis of ideas like free speech, explicitly prohibits US policies discrimanting in race or religion. Yet, America took 200 years to grant a negro a seat in a bus. In spite of restriction to have policies based on religion, America is the only country in world supporting a state manufactured on basis of religion.
…and America continues to be unfaithful to its consitution by hiding like a coward from conferences that try to uplift human dignity and spirit. Hail America!
Posted by: sam | April 19, 2009, 11:07 am 11:07 am
“It is quite obvious given the facts that America is a racist and class oriented society”
What facts do you have to support that statement?
By your own definition, can you tell me of a single country on earth that isn’t ‘racist’ or ‘class oriented’?
Posted by: J House | April 19, 2009, 11:10 am 11:10 am
Finally, something on which I can congratulate him….Well done, Mr. President – standing up for free speech.
Posted by: ellsbells930 | April 19, 2009, 11:14 am 11:14 am
In case you havent tried … try opening your eyes and look around… perhaps you would be educated..
And for racist country … there are many, but for that you would need either education, or some traveling to do!
Posted by: sam | April 19, 2009, 11:14 am 11:14 am
Oh – and I wonder why it took so long for ABCNews to put this on their site – it was on many other sites yesterday – including an ABC-affiliate site (also owned by Disney).
Posted by: ellsbells930 | April 19, 2009, 11:15 am 11:15 am
Yes! Isnt it surprising this news is even posted? Let’s celebrate America’s hypocrisy!
Constitution of America – the document that is basis of ideas like free speech, explicitly prohibits US policies discrimanting in race or religion. Yet, America took 200 years to grant a negro a seat in a bus. In spite of restriction to have policies based on religion, America is the only country in world supporting a state manufactured on basis of religion.
…and America continues to be unfaithful to its consitution by hiding like a coward from conferences that try to uplift human dignity and spirit. Hail America!
Posted by: Sam | April 19, 2009, 11:17 am 11:17 am
Trust me, its all about the votes, Nobama really wants to go to this but he knows it would take him out for sure in 2012. Supporting the bashing of Israel would cost him all evangelicals. He may even lose Rev. Wright and that would really be a show stopper.
Posted by: ReadMyPost | April 19, 2009, 11:21 am 11:21 am
As much as I hate to admit it–I agree with Obama on this one.
Posted by: nick | April 19, 2009, 11:24 am 11:24 am
The way the Obama administration has been dissing Israel lately I find this decision very surprising.
I do not like Obama but I like this decision.
Israel is one of our biggest allies.
Posted by: riley | April 19, 2009, 11:27 am 11:27 am
This is going to be about as popular as the FISA decision with Obama’s faithful.
But they will forgive him as they always do.
What choice does the left have?
He won.
Posted by: tyler | April 19, 2009, 11:32 am 11:32 am
Sam posts: “…and America continues to be unfaithful to its consitution by hiding like a coward from conferences that try to uplift human dignity and spirit. Hail America!”
Despite my intense disklike of Obama and his policies, the fact is that the U.N. is a den of vipers with it’s own agenda of world domination and a singular government running everything. So stop with the America bashing. America shows great courage in being the lone nation to support it’s friend. America is not a fair weather friend for Israel and that is the way this will remain far into the future.
Oh and Sam… You misspelled “Constitution” – You should get a spell checker. That and also to learn U.S. History and look at the larger picture that resides outside of your social-humanities classes that are essentially leftist training camps in all of our schools.
Posted by: Jon | April 19, 2009, 12:13 pm 12:13 pm
Dream on, SRI
Posted by: Kitty | April 19, 2009, 12:14 pm 12:14 pm
So much for the freedom of speech and religion!
Posted by: omgnoway | April 19, 2009, 12:15 pm 12:15 pm
Way to go President Obama!
Posted by: Vee | April 19, 2009, 12:24 pm 12:24 pm
“So much for the freedom of speech and religion!”
Whose freedom has been denied?
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | April 19, 2009, 12:26 pm 12:26 pm
“This leaves Israel as the only government in the world that refuses to recognize the borders of Israel.”
And therefore the US should attend Darfur?
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | April 19, 2009, 12:28 pm 12:28 pm
“The ones with bulldozers and M-18s who will take over a land or home in name of ‘free speech’? Or the ones roaming streets with guns and taking over the weak and minor? Learn to face your own conscience America!”
I guess we’re the only oppressive police state in the world with an illegal immigration problem…
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | April 19, 2009, 12:31 pm 12:31 pm
The Obama Administration has demonstrated great wisdom by this decision in my opinion. Recently, the United Nations has itself reflected egregious racism in some of its practices, such as by its refusal to uphold the basic human rights of woman and children that are honored by it on paper. No one should be abused, tortured or sold into slavery. Tacit slavery in the form of underage “child brides” bartered for debt repayment still occurs today in some places. Our government must oppose these human rights abuses– vigorously. This decision sends exactly the right message!
Posted by: Dorothy | April 19, 2009, 12:31 pm 12:31 pm
I’m tempted to give BO credit for this one but it’s hard to believe he has really grown a spine.
More like he has to prove that he hasn’t totally bowed down to Islam …
And speaking of bows that probably didn’t go over too good with Israel.
I don’t think Israel believes Obama has their back covered.
Posted by: ned | April 19, 2009, 12:36 pm 12:36 pm
If I told you an institution prohibits entry and participation based on religion and ethnicity, it would be a racist institution, right? In fact, within the borders of the United States it would be open to civil litigation as a result.
I’m trying to figure out how Israel isn’t the most racist nation on earth as I’m fairly certain Muslims and Palestinians are not welcome.
In fact, I would think the hated South Africa of twenty years ago seemed more inclusive. At least their marginalized ethnicities were allowed to live in the same country.
So why are we boycotting this thing again?
Posted by: Raymond Shroud | April 19, 2009, 12:40 pm 12:40 pm
There is no such issue!! Racism dees’nt exist…..
Posted by: as if | April 19, 2009, 12:47 pm 12:47 pm
Kitty posts “You should get a spell checker.”
You misspelled “its” as “it’s” every time you used it and “dislike” only has one “k”. No one in these online forums can spell.
I agree with your post, however. The United Nations can’t seem to get anything right. They wonder why the United States acts unilaterally. Any dignified body of nations that would permit the loopy rhetoric of that criminal Hugo Chavez has lost all credibility. The support of Israel is the only policy the United States seems able to unwaveringly maintain. I hope it continues.
Posted by: John | April 19, 2009, 12:51 pm 12:51 pm
Obama does as israel orders.
Posted by: tim osman | April 19, 2009, 1:16 pm 1:16 pm
It is pathetic! Obama has a ‘lack’ of inexperience and leadership. He has already lied to the American people. If he hated this country, he should leave and moved to Cuba.
Posted by: anonymous | April 19, 2009, 1:16 pm 1:16 pm
In Israel, people are not welcome that come to blow Israelis up because “that peoples” holy book says they must do this in order to see “that peoples” exclusive god. That is not racism; that is survival.
Posted by: Dee Adams | April 19, 2009, 1:37 pm 1:37 pm
Fellow American’s, do we want to see renewed relationships or not? Yes our President Shook Chavez’s hand and that was all. Good for him; better yet good for America. If our president is expected to restore diplomacy in South American and around the world then he can’t appear hostile towards America’s past enemies. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure this out people. Barack Obama is a smart man who has gotten more respect and has also restored much needed foreign relations world wide in only 100 days through his kind mannerisms and not being seen as hostel. This is something that the Bush administration failed to do. President Obama is generally liked and seen to be very unilateral, not having a cowboy mentality like our pervious leader. What he did was a good step towards democracy.
Angela
Virginia resident
Posted by: Angela Rush | April 19, 2009, 1:52 pm 1:52 pm
I notice that all on here who are condemning the decision are voicing their anger and frustration in political, Israel-specific terms, not in terms of a desire to find solutions and common ground on the worldwide issues of racism, as the name of the conference falsely implies. It only cements my opinion that the US was right not to get pulled in to what is clearly a specific political agenda attempting to sanitize/disguise itself as an issue with more solid global support.
Posted by: iamwomaninMI | April 19, 2009, 2:03 pm 2:03 pm
No racism conference should point fingers at anyone else because all are guilty of some kind of racism or discrimination. All should be free to join otherwise it is a discrimination conference and does no good to represent the title. I think President Obama as hard as I am sure the decision was took the high road on this one.
Posted by: Steve | April 19, 2009, 2:03 pm 2:03 pm
Sam,
I currently live and work in Malaysia, an Islamic country. I’ve traveled around the world 17 times in the last 13 yrs.
Which country isn’t ‘racist’ or class oriented?
Why do you live in America, if it is so ‘racist’? Why don’t you move to the supposed non-racist and non-class oriented country you profess to know so much about?
Posted by: J House | April 19, 2009, 2:13 pm 2:13 pm
Angela,
If the world we live in was a popularity contest, I would also agree Obama is the right man for the times…
But, it isn’t.
This is a world of competing national interests, whether you like it or not.
We hire the President to look after America’s interests FIRST.Angola and Zimbabwe have their own interests too.
Should we be just like them?
Do you believe Iran or NK really have the same objectives America does?
Do you believe their leaders are looking out for and working towards America’s objectives?
Posted by: J House | April 19, 2009, 2:23 pm 2:23 pm
Much ado about nothing
Posted by: tucanofulano | April 19, 2009, 2:31 pm 2:31 pm
It’s not Obama’s decision… It’s the decision of people behind the curtains!
Posted by: IsraelShmasrael | April 19, 2009, 2:44 pm 2:44 pm
WHAT, we’re not sending our leading expert on racism Jeremiah Wright ?
Posted by: Ron | April 19, 2009, 2:48 pm 2:48 pm
“I’m fairly certain Muslims and Palestinians are not welcome.”
If so, you should check your facts. Twenty percent of the population of Israel is Arab Muslim, and the majority of these are Palestinians. There are Muslim members of the Knesset.
Go do your homework before you show up here with that nonsense.
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | April 19, 2009, 2:53 pm 2:53 pm
Pay close attention. Have you ever heard or seen someone who accuses others of racism NOT also actively practicing racism? Giving perks to someone solely because of their race is as evil a racism as limiting someone based solely on their race.
Pay close attention…especially to yourself and your reactions.
Posted by: Eyes Open | April 19, 2009, 3:05 pm 3:05 pm
President Obama is making some good decisions. He’s no genius, but at least thinks, which is a huge advantage over the trash he replaced. The UN conference on racism is indeed dominated by hypocrisy. No religion should be above criticism, particularly islam, which is responsible for much of the violence, intolerance, and immoral behavior in the world today. Consider the plight of religious minorities in Arab nations and consider the oppression of women in these states before signing on with such conferences. The US is by no means perfect, and ew have yet to overcome our racial problems, but – in many ways – we’re a beacon of progress in race-related issues. I am completely opposed to the US ever participating in a conference in which a proposal to shield a religion from criticism is even entertained as legitimate.
Posted by: Bob | April 19, 2009, 3:17 pm 3:17 pm
“The Obama administration quietly announced this weekend that it would boycott an international conference about racism and discrimination because of concerns that the conference unfairly singles out Israel for criticism and because the conference may set the stage for restrictions on free speech.”
Why boycott this conference? As long as this clown is apologizing for American arrogance and bedding down with dictators, he might as well attend this conference and apologize for American racist and everything else he believes is wrong with our country. Then, perhaps when he’s done trashing the United States, he’ll find a country that suits his ideals and move there. Let him be THEIR president.
Posted by: JustMe | April 19, 2009, 3:29 pm 3:29 pm
President Obama!s decisions for not attending United Nations conference on Racism is a very good step.He takes correct decisions on right time.
Even though, I am a Indian,i like his policies.
Posted by: bngpatsy | April 19, 2009, 4:00 pm 4:00 pm
“Those who bless Israel will be blessed, those who curse Israel will be cursed”.
A little bible verse Obama probably never heard in Rev Wright’s church.
Obama would have a lot of explaining to do had he attended this conference.
Especially after that bow that supposedly didn’t happen.
Posted by: bailey | April 19, 2009, 4:13 pm 4:13 pm
why delete my post?
The real reason for US and Canada to boycott the UN racism conference is that they know so well that they are actually the most brutal racist perpetrators, brutalizing the racial minorities in their own country. They only cover it up using their super power status in this world, so they fear one day they would be exposed and scrutinized for racism at UN’s stage. Follow this link, you will see why:
Posted by: wliao | April 19, 2009, 4:16 pm 4:16 pm
Please don’t delete my post again for what would make the US look like if it boycotts UN’s racism conference for “free speech” while it would not allow its own racial minority the free speech?
Posted by: wliao | April 19, 2009, 4:29 pm 4:29 pm
Good call! The UN focuses has been nothing short of fanatical in its criticism of Israel, while there are so many other trouble spots in the world that they’ve neglected. The UN has overstayed its welcome on the world scene anyway. And they won’t pay their darned parking and traffic fines in New York City either!
Posted by: Heather Czerniak | April 19, 2009, 5:08 pm 5:08 pm
Fascist Hyena,
20% of Israel’s residents are Arabs, but many of them are Christians and Druze, not Muslims.
But that figure also includes East-Jerusalem Palestinians, who are not voting citizens.
Arab parties have never been invited to join a governing coalition in Israel.
It is widely acknowledged that individual native Palestinians in Israel are subject to discrimination, especially in employment and housing and education.
It is also worth noting that non-Orthodox Jews are also subject to discrimination in Israel.
Posted by: Flash Override | April 19, 2009, 5:32 pm 5:32 pm
I am so proud I voted for this man. Even though I’m an African American, I’ve always thought that the Congressional Black Caucus was a bit full of themselves. I don’t think that it is fair that these so called “Black leaders” expect him to attend, simply because he is and does associate with the African American community. President Obama is a leader of the United States first and foremost, and represents all people of the United States. There is a sizable Jewish population here who are also to be represented. Everyone knows something about global Jewish history (and the racism that prevailed against the Jewish population in Europe) and I don’t see how discriminatory language would be permitted at a global anti-racism conference in the first place. It was a good move.
Posted by: Georgetown Grad | April 19, 2009, 6:06 pm 6:06 pm
What about the covert racism in America? People, you know it exists. You dont see it, but you know its there. lets go there…..
Posted by: son of selassie | April 19, 2009, 8:17 pm 8:17 pm
comments rock. i love leaving a comment. this article is important and means a lot to me. comment comment comment. can you read my feelings? do you agree with me or not? Oh, comment.
Posted by: comments rock | April 19, 2009, 9:21 pm 9:21 pm
Clinton and her Boss know that they have a huge problem with Gaza and the horrible conditions.. this can no longer be ignored.
Posted by: DontGet818OnMeNow | April 20, 2009, 9:21 am 9:21 am
Re Posting by: Georgetown Grad | Apr 19, 2009 6:06:09 PM:
Georgetown Grad, would your comments be the same if President Bush or President Clinton boycotted the Racism Conference?
Posted by: Percy | April 20, 2009, 6:51 pm 6:51 pm
Smart move as it would have been so funny after the World Leaders hear how the US Law Makers, Media and Press call President Obama racist names. We can’t go to a conference for Human Rights anymore either. Yes Bush memos show we do kidnap innocent people and torture them But we also kidnap children and torture them. Torture is now US History and even President Obama can’t change History. I am sure those would supported the torture of children are really upset it will not continue.
Posted by: Jackie Rawlings | April 20, 2009, 8:10 pm 8:10 pm