Thank you for emailing me about the upcoming 20th anniversary commemoration of the UN World Conference against Racism (2001), or Durban Conference.
My ministerial colleagues and I share your concerns about the antisemitic actions and speeches in and around the Durban Conference and its various follow-up events. These acts are no cause for celebration.
Following historic concerns of antisemitism – as in 2011 (the 10th anniversary) – the UK has decided not to attend the UN’s Durban Conference anniversary event later this year. The US, Australia and Canada will also not be attending.
Let me be clear that the Government unequivocally condemns, and remains fully committed to tackling, all forms of racism and antisemitism, both domestically and internationally.
On 14 October 2020, for instance, the Foreign Secretary chaired the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting, whereupon Foreign Ministers unanimously adopted a Commonwealth Statement on Racism, originally proposed by the UK, expressing their collective opposition to all forms of racism and discrimination. More recently, in March 2021, the UK's Human Rights Ambassador delivered a statement at the UN Human Rights Council to reaffirm our commitment to tackling racism.
Thank you again for contacting me.