HIGH-LEVEL OFFICIALS OF YEMEN AND NORWAY ADDRESS COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Commission on Human Rights
58th session
22 March 2002
Morning



Commission Continues Debate on Racial Discrimination



The Minister of State for Human Rights of Yemen and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway spoke this morning before the Commission on Human Rights, reviewing national efforts to protect and promote fundamental rights and freedoms and addressing matters ranging from anti-terrorism efforts to the conflict in the Middle East.
Wahibah Faree, the Yemeni Minister of State for Human Rights, said among other things that the 11 September terrorist attacks deserved a strong response, but that measures taken by some countries had had negative effects on human rights and that false concepts had in some cases termed legitimate resistance struggles as "terrorism". Terrorism must not, by any means, be linked to Arabs and Islam, Ms. Faree said. She went on to describe extensive efforts within Yemen to improve human rights, including prison reforms, measures to improve women's rights, and steps to reduce poverty.
Jan Petersen, the Norwegian Foreign Minister, called for eradication of the death penalty and all acts of torture, for greater efforts to protect children, especially in situations of armed conflict, and for rapid ratification of the Rome Statue leading to the establishment of an International Criminal Court. He described Norwegian efforts to advance human rights both within the country and internationally, said Israel and Palestine should abide by a recent Security Council resolution and return to the negotiating table, and urged Zimbabwe to reduce levels of violence in the country following an election process which Norwegian observers had described as marred by strong polarization and administrative shortcomings.
The Commission also carried on this morning with its debate on the subject of racial discrimination, hearing from a series of national delegations and the first of a long list of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Most speakers commented on the World Conference against Racism held last September in Durban, South Africa, and many stressed that the Declaration and Plan of Action emanating from the Conference had to be vigorously implemented by international agencies and Governments.
Participating were representatives of Nigeria (speaking on behalf of the African Group), Uganda, the Russian Federation, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Belarus, Switzerland, Canada, Egypt, Slovakia, the International Labour Office, Cyprus, Qatar, Turkey, Kuwait, Jordan, Australia, the United States, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the International Organization for Migration, Senegal, and Kenya.
The NGOs World Organization against Torture, World Jewish Congress, and World Union for Progressive Judaism also delivered statements.
Latvia and the Russian Federation spoke in exercise of the right of reply.
The Commission will reconvene at 3 p.m. and is expected over the course of the afternoon to conclude its debate on racial discrimination and to take up its agenda item on the right to development.

Statements
WAHIBAH FAREE, Minister of State for Human Rights of Yemen, said Yemen had condemned the 11 September terrorist attacks and was cooperating extensively with the international community and with the United States to combat terrorism; Yemen itself had suffered from terrorism for years. There were no doubts that measures taken by some countries after 11 September had had negative consequences for human rights; in addition, some false concepts had been circulating that unfairly compared terrorism to legitimate resistance and armed struggle. It was important for the international community to eradicate the motives and causes that led to terrorism, especially factors that thwarted development in poor countries. Terrorism also must not, by any means, be linked to Arabs and Islam; there was no place for the propagation of the notion of a clash of civilizations. Islam was a religion of tolerance and love and did not recognize terrorism by any means.
The atrocious and bloody acts perpetrated by the Israeli occupying forces against unarmed Palestinian civilians violated all human rights standards, Ms. Faree said; the international community must assume its responsibilities and pressure Israel to abide by international law and to withdraw from all occupied Arab territories. Yemen had been disappointed by Israeli statements before the Commission in recent days which had portrayed the occupying forces as victims rather than executioners. These lies should not mislead the Commission.
Yemen would soon implement a cooperation agreement reached with the Commission last year which was aimed at promoting human rights and advancing civil society in the country, Ms. Faree said. There were no more prisoners of opinion in jail in the country, legal procedures for detention were being observed, prison conditions were being improved, and discussions were being held with some donor countries to aid in advancing human rights in the coming years. The Government had chosen the way of multi-party democracy, had established a Supreme National Committee for Human Rights, had organized symposia and workshops, and was concentrating especially on the right to development, the rights of the child, and women's rights. The Supreme National Committee for Human Rights had organized a joint symposium with the Ministry of Planning and Development to discuss a national strategy to combat poverty, and efforts were being made to reduce discrepancies in wealth within the nation.
JAN PETERSEN, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway, said it was important never to abandon the principle of the worth of every individual, never to lose sight of the right to life, freedom and equal opportunity for all, and never to stop concentrating on practical results -- these were better than academic discussions. Securing human rights was first and foremost the responsibility of the nation State, and Norway had developed a national plan of action for human rights containing more than 300 specific measures of which more than half were programmes to be implemented at the national level. Internationally, Norway sought to strengthen human rights through dialogue, both bilaterally and multilaterally. The strength of such dialogues lay in their ability to address sensitive issues and to build networks between common actors in the field.
Capital punishment and torture were unacceptable and should be abolished worldwide, Mr. Petersen said. More protection had to be provided to children, especially those caught up in armed conflicts and civil wars; children had to be protected from the heinous practice of the use of child soldiers in some parts of the world. Norway strongly supported the work of the UN Special Representative for children and armed conflict and considered that priority should be given by countries to early ratification of the two optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
An International Criminal Court would be a major step for human rights and international law, Mr. Petersen said; Norway was encouraged by the rapid rate of ratifications of the Rome Statute, which meant that it might enter into force this year. It was necessary to support actively the establishment of the Court so that it could have a successful start.
Norway appealed to both parties in the Middle East conflict to fully respect human rights and international law, Mr. Petersen said. UN Security Council resolution 1397 contained a clear vision of two States -- Israel and Palestine -- living side by side within secure and recognized borders, and this vision should be turned into reality with the help of all nations. It was time to end the violence and return to the negotiating table.
More help and continued international teamwork were needed to help with the rehabilitation of Afghanistan, Mr. Petersen said, and the Government of Zimbabwe must put an end to the extreme level of violence in the country and restore respect for human rights following an election process that Norwegian observers had reported was marred by an atmosphere of strong polarization, political violence, and administrative shortcomings. The international fight against terrorism must be carried out vigorously, but within the framework of international human rights standards and international law.
PIUS I. AYEWOH (Nigeria), speaking on behalf of the African Group, said that the objectives of the Programme of Action of the Third Decade for combatting racism and racial discrimination had regrettably not been achieved largely due to lack of political commitment, financial resources and international cooperation. The African Group had resolved to use the Durban Programme of Action as a new instrument for all future activities including a global drive to combat racism. The African Group strongly believed that the achievements of the Durban Conference should lay a solid foundation for future programmes aimed at combatting racism. The legacies of these evil practices continued to manifest themselves in abject poverty, underdevelopment, marginalization, social exclusion and economic disparities.
The African political leadership had adopted the New Partnership for Africa's Development as a macroeconomic recovery framework for addressing the continent's development changes. Since racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance constituted a global challenge to efforts to construct a humane world, they demanded that those of us who were committed to confronting this challenge should form a formidable and united movement for the dignity of all human beings everywhere.
ARTHUR GAKWANDI (Uganda) said the Durban Conference had been labelled a "new beginning", but how many new beginnings would be required, and how many International Decades, before racism was conquered? A symptomatic problem of the Durban Conference had been that all categories of intolerance had been dragged in by their horns and as a result the Declaration and Programme of Action were full of circumlocutions and equivocations and were not sufficiently focused. Racism had to be viewed and tackled in its naked form before it was linked to the environment, to torture, to the death penalty, to sexual orientation, and to other forms of discrimination. All were to blame because of the way other concerns had been introduced onto the agenda -- it had been wasteful and inefficient and had detracted from attention to the core problem.
Uganda was disappointed that the Conference had failed to agree on an inter-governmental platform to follow up on implementation of the Programme of Action, but thought the appointment of five eminent persons to work with the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the matter was a good alternative; Uganda also welcomed the High Commissioner's decision to establish an anti-discrimination unit in her office. Uganda urged those who had benefited from historical injustices based on racism to summon the courage to face the consequences of those injustices so that everyone could work together to create a better world.
VLASDILAV ERMAKOV (the Russian Federation) said that the problem of racism and racial discrimination remained one of the most urgent unsolved problems. The urgency of the question was raised during the Durban Conference. Russia urged all States to implement the Durban Programme of Action. State policy to combat racism was based on principles of equality and respect of minorities. Preventing discrimination included legislative measures which increased the protection of various ethnic groups and minorities and combatted political extremism. Harmonious co-existence prevailed in Russia among the different religions.
Racial violence and anti-Semitism was on the rise in several countries of the European Union, including Germany, the United Kingdom and Sweden; and in Latvia, discriminatory laws were adopted against the Russian-speaking minorities and collaborators of the Nazis were considered as freedom fighters.
MALIKA AIT-MOHAMED PARENT, of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said human history was riddled with racism and racial discrimination; the memory of the victims of such discrimination must be maintained. The Red Cross Federation had fought racism and discrimination for decades, and did not allow racism within its ranks nor within its work. The Federation had recently enhanced its programmes for promoting tolerance, respect for diversity, and commitment to human rights. Still, threats remained, such as increasing discrimination against such populations as persons suffering from AIDS. Local programmes were being undertaken to combat discrimination and violence in North Africa, Central Africa, Central America, Central Asia, and the Gulf region.
Certain national Red Cross societies under this "global initiative to put into effect local actions and programmes to reduce communal discrimination and violence" had begun other projects to deal with racial problems. These societies were based in Australia, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Guatemala, Malawi, Mexico, Norway, Netherlands, Palau, the Philippines, Romania, the United Kingdom, Russia, Sierra Leone, and Sweden.
SERGEI ANOSHCO (Belarus) said that 20 percent of the population of the country were not Belorussian. The situation in the country was stable and there was no ethnic conflict. The Constitution assured equal rights to all ethnic groups. Groups propagating racial hatred were prohibited. Everyone had the right to use his or her native language and retain or chose not to disclose his or her nationality. The rights of minorities were enshrined not only in the Constitution but also in numerous national laws. The necessary conditions had been created to preserve the languages and cultures of minorities. Belarus attached great importance to the outcome of the Durban Conference and considered the final document of the Conference as opening new prospects for and approaches to eliminating racism and racial discrimination.
FRANCOIS NORDMANN (Switzerland) said the Commission was determined to see every human being live in dignity and to ensure every human being the right to enjoy life without racism or discrimination. Switzerland had already started to define the stages that would translate the Durban documents into a national strategy for combatting racism. The strategy would involve all parts of society, with leadership provided at the national level. An annual report on progress would be issued.
Switzerland supported the creation of an anti-discrimination unit within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; the appointment of five eminent experts to oversee implementation of the Durban Programme of Action; and the creation of national units to combat racial discrimination. Switzerland felt that discrimination needed to be fought, among other things, when it was applied to persons on the basis of sexual orientation. Switzerland had taken several steps to improve protection of homosexuals. Since the 11 September terrorist attacks, it was important to avoid racial or discriminatory responses in efforts to combat terrorism.
MARIE GERVAIS-VIDRICAIRE (Canada) said that the Government was working hard to encourage diversity and multiculturalism in the country. The Government was taking action against incitement to hate and racial discrimination through education, legislation and support for research on the issue. The Secretary of State for Multiculturalism was engaged in a dialogue with various civil groups with a view to combatting racism . Canada stood by the strong reservations expressed in New York and the Commission on Tuesday with regard to Durban. Canada remained committed to fighting discrimination and continued to do it in all international fora. States were called upon to redouble their efforts to fight racism and launch campaigns to raise awareness of this scourge. The media, new technologies, and non-governmental organizations played an important role in eradicating discrimination and promoting human rights for all.
NAELA GABR (Egypt) said her country supported the statement made by the African Group. The international community had unanimously agreed that priority should be given to battling all forms of racism. The Durban Programme of Action had called for protection of the rights of migrants, and Egypt urged countries to do so, as in some countries after the events of 11 September there had been an increase in acts of violence and xenophobia against immigrants of Arab and Middle Eastern descent. Countries should ratify the relevant international convention for protecting migrant workers and their families. An increase in racism and anti-Islam campaigns required a strong response from countries and the international community; violence against Muslims should be prevented -- Islamophobia had increased, and Muslims were unfairly considered in some countries to be terrorists.
The Durban Conference had highlighted the plight of the Palestinian people under occupation by the Zionist war machine. Action had to be taken to help them. The continued occupation of the Arab territories had to be deplored, and the international community had to battle for peace in the region based on full respect for human rights and the elimination of racist discrimination. The Commission had an especially important obligation to follow up on implementation of the Durban Declaration.
PETER PROCHACKA (Slovakia) said his country was a party to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and recognized the competence of the relevant Committee to consider individual complaints; Slovakia was convinced that the possibility for individuals to complain to the Committee helped improve human rights protections. Last year an amendment to the Slovakian Penal Code had come into force which punished racially motivated crimes more strictly; an Equal Treatment Act, also known as an anti-discrimination act, was under preparation and would include a uniform interpretation of the word "discrimination" and provide broader protection for individuals.
Slovakia had already adopted a second Action Plan to prevent all forms of racism and discrimination; it focused on strengthening tolerance in society and on preventive measures, and also sought to educate citizens on human-rights protections.
CONSTANCE THOMAS (the International Labour Organization) said that the principle of non-discrimination on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, national extraction and social origin was fundamental to building multicultural societies on the foundations of respect and tolerance. It continued to call upon States not only to put in place an appropriate legislative anti-discrimination framework, but also to ensure non-discrimination and equality in practice. This required an enhanced focus on multiple forms of discrimination and on the implementation of plans to reduce discrimination.
Strengthening the capacity and knowledge of all actors involved in dealing with work-related discrimination played an important role in this regard. This appeared crucial in post-conflict situations and, all the more, in the aftermath of the events of 11 September. The Durban Conference certainly did not produce all that was hoped for or needed. However, it was hoped that sight was not lost on the positive aspects that did emerge. The ILO supported the objectives of the Conference and was committed to building on its outcome to devise means to combat discrimination in the twenty-first century.
HELENA MINA (Cyprus) said that it had always strongly supported effective collective action towards combatting racism and racial discrimination and had endorsed and participated actively in the initiatives undertaken by the United Nations, the most recent being the World Conference against Racism. Despite the difficult deliberations in Durban, Cyprus believed that this event highlighted the continuing plight and past injustices inflicted upon millions and expected that it would serve as a guide to the international community towards the required soul-searching and renewed action for tolerance and elimination of all forms of discrimination.
The struggle against racism and racial discrimination was today more relevant than ever, since over the past decade the phenomenon of ethnic and religious intolerance had revealed itself in many parts of the world. The dangers posed to our societies by intolerance of any form could not be underestimated. Humanity was an amalgam of cultures, each precious in its uniqueness, yet an integral part of a wider wheel where all were connected.
KHALED BIN JASSEM AL-THENI (Qatar) said that the people of Qatar were equal and discrimination could not be exercised on grounds of colour, creed, gender, religion, or origin. Hate organizations were prohibited under the penal code of Qatar. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) played an important role in promoting human rights and combatting racial discrimination. This was why workshops were organized to establish a dialogue among NGOs with a view to supporting micro projects aimed at enhancing human rights and improving the living conditions of the poorest categories of the population. The last century saw the most obscene crimes of genocide committed because of racism and hatred. Accepting cultural diversity meant that superiority complexes and hegemony should be eradicated. National specificities must be allowed to express themselves. Qatar was committed to the objectives outlined in the Durban Plan of Action
MURAT SUNGAR (Turkey) said that although diverging views and disagreements had threatened the success of the Durban Conference, those involved had overcome them and had produced from the Conference very valuable documents -- the Declaration and the Programme of Action. It was high time therefore to leave all disagreements behind and to implement these documents. From the outset, Turkey had favoured an approach to satisfy the expectations and alleviate the sufferings of victims of contemporary forms of racism, and those included migrants and migrant workers, a category of especial concern to Turkey, as there were some 4 million Turkish citizens living and working abroad. Migrants were often victims of racism and discrimination and steps should be taken to protect them and to foster greater harmony and tolerance between migrant workers and their host societies.
The repercussions of the tragic events of 11 September had showed how fragile the basic understanding between different cultures could be. Turkey expressed its strongest commitment to fighting terrorism, but stressed that terrorism should not be identified along religious lines, and stressed that a delicate balance should be kept between legitimate security concerns and the treatment of foreigners.
AICHA EL-ADSANI (Kuwait) said that the Durban Declaration mentioned clearly that Islam was a target of discrimination. The Muslim world condemned terrorist attacks and Islam had nothing to do with terrorist practices. There were many terrorist organizations whose members were not Muslim. These organizations were not accused of terrorism. It was unacceptable to link a large religion of 1 billion people to violent actions committed by individuals in order to promote their political agenda. Islam condemned terrorism in all its forms and called for cooperation among people. Islam was based on the principle of equality among races and individuals and its objective was to achieve man's happiness on earth and in heaven. Measures should be taken to put an end to Islamophobia and implement the Durban Plan of Action in full.
SHEHAB A. MADI (Jordan) said Jordan welcomed the outcome of the Durban Conference, including the setting up of an anti-discrimination unit in the High Commissioner's Office to advance the struggle against racism and discrimination. Jordan felt serious concern about the negative reactions against Muslims, Arabs, and populations of Asian origin in the wake of the 11 September tragedy; in some cases these populations were associated with terrorists. The rise of religious intolerance, especially Islamophobia, was a matter of serious concern. These developments needed a strong response for which relevant aspects of the Durban Declaration should play a leading role.
Education was vital for eradicating racism, and educational efforts to that end should be expanded in the wake of the Durban Conference. And more effective international attention was required to end the unprecedented increase in violence and military assault on Palestinians in the occupied territories. The Durban texts addressed the plight of the Palestinians, and, as the relevant Special Rapporteur had noted, there had been a lack of cooperation by Israel with work to end racism and discrimination in the occupied territories.
LESLIE LUCK (Australia) said that his country had created a harmonious and inclusive society that was firmly opposed to racism in all its forms. Australia regarded racism as a fundamental challenge for all nations of the international community, both individually and collectively and was of the view that the international community could only combat racism effectively if it implemented forward looking, positive and concrete measures at the national, regional and international levels. Australia believed that the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action contained some conclusions and recommendations which were important and valuable. Most of those on which there was a clear international consensus focused on national action and the importance of cooperation and partnership between governments and other groups and agencies to facilitate their effective implementation.
Australia had invited the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism to visit the country and had facilitated an extensive programme of meetings over three weeks to provide him with a broad spectrum of views on multicultural and indigenous issues and to enable him to develop a balanced understanding of Australia's multicultural society. It was therefore disappointing that the report he had presented to the Commission was of poor quality and marked by a number of serious errors of facts.
CHERYL SIM (the United States) said there was considerable good news coming from the long-standing and ongoing struggle within the United States against racism and bigotry. African-Americans and members of other ethnic groups now served in significant numbers at the highest levels of Government, policed American communities, taught in the nation's most prestigious universities, healed the sick, managed large corporations, and reported the news to fellow citizens. The United State's record of protecting civil rights and fighting discrimination was an increasingly strong one. The administration of President Bush had developed set of broad policies and programmes to significantly advance human rights, with special emphasis on schools.
Globally, the battle against racism must involve an end to anti-Semitism and all forms of racial and religious prejudice. This ugly phenomenon had led to the most devastating genocide in modern times, yet it remained prevalent throughout the world. Racism and related discrimination knew no national borders. It was long past time to end these injustices and create a world where diversity was valued and accepted.
KIM YONG HO (the Democratic People's Republic of Korea) said that the World Conference against Racism through its Declaration and Plan of Action had reaffirmed the commitment of the international community to promote the development of all groups and individuals. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea welcomed the Durban Declaration to eliminate racism and the initiative to set up an anti-discrimination unit in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Prevention of historical injustices could not be rectified without those States responsible apologizing to the victims. Japan had practised the most discriminatory polices during the colonial rule of Korea and was the only country which refused to admit to its crimes. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea was committed to working toward the implementation of the Durban Plan of Action and cooperating with the international community in this regard.
R. PERRUCHOUD, of the International Organization for Migration, said IOM was concerned about racism and discrimination that affected migrants, and had pushed for effective and realistic measures to protect migrants to be included in the Durban Declaration and Plan of Action. The two Durban documents were valuable and should be implemented. Political will must be found to do so. IOM was concerned about an increase in xenophobia and discriminatory treatment against foreigners, especially migrants. These offenses had increased following the attacks of 11 September. States had a right to ensure security, but human rights also had to be respected.
IOM provided technical cooperation to States to help them improve their legislation with respect to migrants; took measures to reduce illegal and dangerous traffic in migrants; and sought to make migrant flows more steady and predictable, something that was of benefit both to migrants and to host countries. IOM continued to appeal to States to adopt relevant international instruments related to migrants and trafficking in persons. It was important for host countries not to regard migrants as objects that could be bought and sold at will.
DIEGANE SAMBA THIOUNE (Senegal) said that mankind still suffered from the scourges of terrorism, nuclear holocausts and armed conflicts. The international community should redouble its efforts to promote tolerance and respect for diversity and human rights. Discrimination lay at the root of all forms of human rights violations and was one of the worst scourges afflicting human society. Vast segments of the population of the world were condemned to a life without hope, liberty or dignity. The Durban Conference was an important step forward in this regard, giving hope to the victims of racism and racial discrimination.
The political will expressed in Durban should be translated into concrete actions. No other continent had suffered so much from racism, racial discrimination and intolerance as Africa. One could not speak of racism without thinking of the cruelty to which generations of Africans were subjected to. Senegal was convinced that the conclusions of Durban could be implemented in an effective way. Time was running out and many challenges remained in tackling racism, deprivation and poverty.
MICHAEL A. O. OYUGI (Kenya) said that the World Conference against Racism had been a historic event. The negotiations were extremely difficult but were crowned with success. For the first time in history, the international community had declared slavery, the slave trade and in particular the transatlantic slave trade as crimes against humanity. It had also recognized that today's poverty, underdevelopment, marginalization, social exclusion, economic disparities, instability and insecurity could be traced back to these practices, and undertook to work for the beneficial integration of developing countries into the global economy and to resist their marginalization. In this regard Kenya was particularly pleased with the international community's commitment to support the efforts of African leaders in addressing the challenges they faced through initiatives such as the New Partnership for Africa's Development.
The tragic events of September 11 had lent ever greater urgency to the need to implement fully the Durban Programme of Action. The appalling and misguided assaults and racist slander against Muslims, Arabs and other Asians that the world witnessed after September 11 were ample testament to this.
ELSA LE PENNEC, of the World Organization against Torture, speaking on behalf of the International Federation of ACAT, said the two organizations supported the decision to appoint five experts to monitor implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, but were concerned that these documents did not address crucial concerns within the criminal justice system, including the racially disproportionate application of the death penalty, racially biased sentencing, and a lack of reference concerning the detention of refugees. The decision of the Australian Government to allow a visit to its Woomera detention centre by the Working Group on arbitrary detention was welcomed, and the visit should take place as soon as possible.
More had to be done to protect Roma populations from discrimination, and more had to be done to protect persons subject to low-caste and outcast status based on work or descent. The Commission also should ensure that the issue of racism within the criminal justice system, prisons, detention systems and law-enforcement agencies was duly addressed; that specific studies be carried out on the existence of racism in these areas; and that specific groups, including minorities, migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees, be provided with legal assistance in the event of torture, ill-treatment, or any kind of violence perpetrated on the basis of racism or related intolerance.
DANIEL LACK, of the World Jewish Congress, said that the Durban World Conference against Racism which should have been an inspiring and seminal occasion tragically turned out to be a debacle and to have done a profound disservice to the anti-racism agenda of the United Nations. Blame must be squarely placed on members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Scurrilous racist language was implanted into the texts which issued from the Tehran regional meeting, which went so far as to postulate criteria for attendance based on a policy of racist exclusion of accredited Jewish non-governmental organizations. The Tehran regional meeting and the language inserted in the draft document discussed in Durban included racial rhetoric aimed at de-legitimizing the State of Israel, invalidating anti-Semitism and promoting Holocaust denial. This disreputable effort continued in the government conference by maintaining false Palestinian claims as the most pressing issue confronting a World Conference against Racism. It intruded into the discussion by taking precedence over any other and victimized Israel in the Conference outcome as a clear manifestation of a gross manifestation of a gross double standard and distortion of the meaning of racism and its propagation throughout the world
DAVID LITTMAN, of the World Union of Progressive Judaism, said that three days after the end of the Durban Conference, a terrorist jihad war had been launched against infidels; he wished to reiterate that at the Durban Conference the United Nations had undergone a shameful metamorphosis. The Conference had been intended to combat racism but was highjacked by dictatorial regimes and a caucus of demagogic non-governmental organizations. Who could imagine that Osama bin Ladin and his bombers would launch their jihad war against the United States when a week earlier such a classic masquerade was entertaining the crowd in Durban? The Durban final solution would forever retain a fetid odour of appeasement and remain a stain on the United Nations.
Creeping anti-Semitism was rampant in Europe, particularly in France. The Commission had been highjacked five years ago under a medieval charge of "blasphemy" and since then Islamist and Arab anti-Semitism continued to flourish via written and media sources. The anti-Semite rejoiced at any opportunity to vent his malice.

Rights of Reply
A Representative of Latvia, speaking in right of reply, said with regard to a statement by the Russian Federation that the tonality of the reference to Latvia was unacceptable. For 50 years, Latvia had faced occupation by Russian forces and Latvia would never return to the space into which it was forcefully incorporated. Russia was called upon to adopt a constructive approach in the Commission and to work for the promotion of human rights in Russia itself.
A Representative of the Russian Federation, speaking in right of reply, said that unfortunately Russia had not heard a reply from Latvia on the substance of any of the theses put forward by the Russian delegation in its statement. Still, Russia hoped that the dialogues with the international fora that Latvia had mentioned would continue. There had, of course, to be an appropriate assessment of the real facts, which were a matter of concern and had been mentioned by a series of international organizations. Russia noted with satisfaction a relevant decision, for example, of the European Court of Human Rights, which was different from the interpretation the Latvians had given to the matter. Russia would continue to put forward its arguments, which were based exclusively on facts.



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