62nd SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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Check Against Delivery
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Statement by 
Ms. Meirav Eilon Shahar
Counsellor



Explanation of vote, before the vote, A/C.3/62/L.65,
 
“From rhetoric to reality: a global call for concrete action against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action”



United Nations, New York
28 November 2007


Mr. Chairman, 

My delegation is deeply alarmed by the increase in racially motivated violence around the world. To this effect, Israel supports international efforts to eliminate all forms of racism, racial discrimination, anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and related intolerance. 

However, at times, these efforts have been derailed and undermined by the political interests of certain Member States. Surely many delegations will recall what took place during the 2001 Durban conference, when some NGOs and Member State participants levied slanderous, racist and hateful accusations against one state, in a forum that was originally intended to fight racism and promote intolerance. 

Their harmful rhetoric and activities not only contradicted the very purpose for the Durban conference, but it also called into question the potential value and merit in international conferences to contribute to the elimination of hatred and the promotion of a culture of tolerance and mutual understanding. In deviating from its original, stated purpose of shaping positive and innovative solutions to contemporary problems of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, the conference served to single out and demonize one country alone. 

Many will recall that my delegation, along with the United States, withdrew from the conference, and continues to vote against any resolution that heralds Durban as an admirable display of international commitment to combat hatred and intolerance. The events during the Durban parley, and the subsequent follow up resolutions which literally ignored what clearly happened at Durban, proved that the gathering was nothing but a sad display of racism and intolerance. 

Mr. Chairman, 

Regrettably, the resolution before us, A/C.3/62/L.65, fails to reflect  even the mildest recognition, let alone - an understanding that the Durban conference has failed to promote tolerance and eliminate racism. 

Hence, my delegation is compelled to call for a vote on this resolution, and will vote against it. We hope that in due time the blunders of Durban will be rectified, and that international support for the elimination of racism and intolerance is genuine, wholehearted, and without exception. When this time comes, Israel will be among the first to welcome any exchange of views, including criticism, and to debate it on a fair and equal basis. 

Thank You, Mr. Chairman.