Statement on behalf of a coalition of more than 10 international Jewish organisations including: Community Security Trust, World Jewish Congress, European Jewish Congress, Jewish Leadership Council, South African Board of Jewish Deputies, CEJI, World Union of Jewish Students, Board of Deputies of British Jews, Jewish Human Rights Coalition-UK, NGO Monitor, Women’s International Zionist Organization. European Union of Jewish Students.

This statement was delivered today by Yair Zivan of the Union of Jewish Students to the Durban Review Conference:

This is a statement on behalf of a coalition of more than 10 international Jewish organisations.

Jewish tradition teaches us to fight for human rights and to pursue justice. It was because of these values that Rene Cassin drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the same tradition Raphael Lemkin defined the word genocide and drafted the UN’s Genocide convention.

The Story of the Jewish people is one of constant struggle against persecution which can be racially, politically and religiously inspired. Because of this we have always striven to uphold the fundamental rights and principles of human dignity and equality that underpin our faith and our culture. We will always continue to strive for these values.

It is in this light that we were so saddened that the noble objectives of this conference were lost in the offensive speech we heard in this very room on Monday. That racist tirade undermined the purpose and values of this conference and damaged the reputation of the UN.

The World Conference Against Racism in 2001 is remembered for the anti-Semitism on the streets of Durban. The Durban Review Conference in Geneva will be remembered for the anti-Semitism inside the Assembly Hall.

The organisations that we represent are all engaged in Human Rights activities and are passionately committed to education in the principles of Human Dignity and equality for all. We believe that it is critical to teach the values of tolerance, respect and diversity.

Eight years after Durban, the United Nations Member States have not done nearly enough in carrying out the commitments made to combat racism. We call on all governments to devote themselves to a world “united against racism, with dignity and justice for all.