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The United Nations opened its week long global conference against racism in Geneva, Switzerland yesterday. Known as the Durban II Conference, it is the first meeting in eight years since the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance took place in 2001 in Durban, South Africa. The US has boycotted both meetings over language concerning Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. But, human rights groups did expect President Obama to send an official delegation, now that much of the controversial language over Israel from a draft of the conference declaration, has been removed. Controversy over Israel’s actions continues to dominate however – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the first official to address the conference, accused Israel of making “an entire nation homeless under the pretext of Jewish suffering,” and that Israel was “the most cruel and repressive racist regime.” Ahmadinejad’s opening remarks sparked almost 40 diplomats from European countries including France and Britain to walk out. Protesters repeatedly interrupted his speech with shouts “Shame!” and “Racists!” In addition to the US, seven other countries, Israel, the Netherlands, Germany, New Zealand, Canada, and Italy are boycotting Durban II. But some activists, including those like Rev. Eddie Makue, who have first hand experience of apartheid, liken Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to a new and worse form of apartheid.

GUEST: Reverend Eddie Makue, General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches

For Reference:

151. As for the situation in the Middle East, [the declaration] calls for the end of violence and the swift resumption of negotiations, respect for international human rights and humanitarian law, respect
for the principle of self-determination and the end of all suffering, thus allowing Israel and the
Palestinians to resume the peace process, and to develop and prosper in security and freedom;