Israel calls for UN boycott of Durban Conference anniversary event

Israel is calling on United Nations member states to boycott an upcoming event scheduled for September 28 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Durban Conference. The event is set to take place at the UN headquarters during the High-Level Week of the General Assembly.

Israel argues that the original 2001 Durban Conference, which aimed to combat racism, became a platform for antisemitism and the delegitimization of the Israeli state. The Permanent Mission of Israel to the UN noted that during the 2001 forum in South Africa, antisemitic materials, including Nazi-style caricatures, were distributed. At that time, both Israel and the United States withdrew from the conference because participating nations refused to condemn the rhetoric directed at Israel.

Israeli officials, including Permanent Representative Danny Danon, claim the legacy of the Durban process has fueled international campaigns against Israel, such as apartheid accusations and the BDS movement. Israel urges a boycott to avoid legitimizing a process it claims is used to spread hatred and antisemitism.