TransAfrica Forum expresses disappointment at Obama Administration’s failure to attend World Conference Against Racism in Geneva, Switzerland

This morning at the opening of World Conference on Racism Durban Review in Geneva, Switzerland, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon said that he was profoundly disappointed in the boycott of a number of Western nations. TransAfrica Forum agrees with the Secretary General because racism and discrimination that face Afro-descendants and minorities in Latin America, Caribbean, Europe and North America will be lost in the rhetoric and innuendo encircling the conference rather than the actual conference agenda.

TransAfrica is extremely disappointed in the Obama Administration’s decision to boycott the Durban Review despite the global efforts to pave the way for US participation. While the Administration has stated this action does not signal apathy for the global fight against racism and xenophobia, it has sent a chilling effect throughout the developed and the developing world. 

“As we feared the Administration’s decision to boycott the Durban Review has sent shock waves around the globe,” said Nicole Lee, Executive Director of TransAfrica Forum. “To date eight countries have announced they are pulling out of the Durban process, many based on the US decision.”

Eight years in the making, the purpose of the Durban Review Conference is to evaluate the progress of countries towards the goals set by the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in Durban, South Africa, in 2001.  Countries have met by region for over two years in preparation for this important gathering. The Administration initially made the decision not to attend in March, but later stated the door was still open for negotiation.

Imani Countess, Senior Director of Public Affairs adds, “This decision is inconsistent with the values this Administration has touted. Engagement with the world must be based on mutual respect and partnership. Boycotting this conference sends a mixed message about the US’s intentions when it comes to racism and intolerance.”

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