Durban Declaration 25th anniversary commemoration

The 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) has prompted reflections on the legacy of the 2001 UN Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance. Activists have highlighted ongoing struggles against social hierarchies and the persistence of injustice, specifically regarding the normalization of occupation and apartheid.

At a United Nations General Assembly high-level meeting to commemorate the anniversary, Secretary-General António Guterres called for ‘concrete measures’ to address the consequences of slavery and colonialism through reparatory justice. He also urged governments to strengthen anti-discrimination laws and requested that technology companies address bias in artificial intelligence to prevent the amplification of hate speech. The commemoration has been marked by diplomatic tension, notably with the United States boycotting the event. US Ambassador Jeff Bartos stated Washington would not participate due to the conference’s ‘poisonous legacy,’ citing concerns regarding the treatment of Israel and Western nations.

Marking the anniversary, the UN General Assembly has since adopted a new political declaration to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. Secretary-General Guterres emphasized the urgency of the fight, noting that discrimination remains deeply embedded in institutions. The new declaration specifically addresses the evolving nature of racism in the digital age, warning that artificial intelligence driven by biased datasets risks reproducing discrimination. UN General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman urged the international community to translate these commitments into funded national action plans with measurable results and accountability.