WORLD CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM

Early day motion 83, tabled 3 December 2008 by Andrew Dismore (Labour). Signed by 44 members.

That this House notes that the 2001 World Conference Against Racism held in Durban produced unprecedented levels of anti-semitism and anti-Zionism under the banner of the United Nations; notes that a follow-up Review Conference will be held in April 2009; recalls that the Government has publicly pledged to withdraw from the Review process if there is a repetition of the anti-semitism experienced at the 2001 Conference; further notes that Israel and Canada have already withdrawn their participation from the conference; expresses concern that the draft working document produced at the October 2008 Preparatory Committee Meeting of the Durban Review Process contains unacceptable text accusing Israel of committing genocide and apartheid while no other country is singled out for mention, language that downplays the importance of tackling anti-semitism and passages that seek to curtail freedom of expression in order to protect religion from criticism; commends continuing efforts by UK diplomats to negotiate a fair and legitimate Declaration for the conference; and calls on the Government to withdraw from the Durban Review Process if the final Declaration is not acceptable.

Signatures by party: Labour 20, Conservative 11, Liberal Democrat 8, Plaid Cymru 3, DUP 1, Independent 1.