Israel’s UN envoy urges countries to boycott event celebrating ‘toxic legacy’ of Durban Declaration

Israel's Ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, is urging member states to boycott a September 28 event at the U.N. General Assembly marking the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Danon stated that the original 2001 World Conference Against Racism in Durban, South Africa, which the declaration originated from, "was supposed to fight racism but instead became a platform for antisemitism and the demonization of Israel." He added, "There is no reason to celebrate this toxic legacy." The U.S. withdrew from the 2001 conference due to "hateful language" and anti-Israel rhetoric, and 36 countries, including Israel, boycotted the 2021 commemoration. The upcoming event aims to promote the declaration's "full and effective implementation" in combating racism.