United Nations commemorates 25th anniversary of Durban Declaration

The United Nations General Assembly is holding a high-level meeting to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA). Adopted in 2001 in Durban, South Africa, the framework addresses global racism, xenophobia, and the oppression of Indigenous peoples.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for ‘concrete measures’ to address the enduring consequences of slavery and colonialism through reparatory justice. He urged governments to strengthen anti-discrimination laws and called on technology companies to address bias in artificial intelligence systems, noting that digital technologies can amplify hate speech and disinformation.

The commemoration is marked by diplomatic tension, as the United States is boycotting the event. US Ambassador for Management and Reform Jeff Bartos stated Washington would not participate due to the conference’s ‘poisonous legacy,’ citing concerns over the treatment of Israel and Western nations. The original 2001 declaration included clauses regarding the rights of the Palestinian people and the security of Israel, though early drafts faced controversy regarding the definition of Zionism.