Durban II: The Administration Moves in the Right Direction

Publication Date: April 2008

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Brett D. Schaefer

Research Area: International relations; Social conditions

Keywords: International organizations; United Nations conference; racism conference; Durban II

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The Bush Administration has justifiably expressed its opposition to the 2009 Durban Review Conference, commonly referred to as Durban II. Durban II is the follow-up to the disastrous 2001 United Nations World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance. The 2001 conference, held in Durban, South Africa, fell victim to nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that hijacked it to criticize Israel and the United States. After unsuccessfully trying to counter those efforts, the U.S. delegation walked out of the 2001 conference.