Poland will not take part in the ‘Durban II’ United Nations review conference on racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia which has opened in Geneva today.

A statement by the Polish Foreign Ministry stresses that Poland participated in the preparations for the conference till the last minute, hoping that it would allow to consolidate and strengthen international efforts in the fight against racism in all its forms. There is much to indicate, however – the statement says – that the Geneva conference will become a forum for inadmissible speeches and activities incompatible with the spirit of respect for other races and religions. 

According to Poland’s former PM and MEP Jerzy Buzek, the decision is justified. “These are very delicate issues. We have to send signals that these kinds of actions on the international arena have to be objective. If they are not and if we have fears that the actions of the international community fighting for human rights are not objective - then our protest can be justified. If the Foreign Ministry has made such a decision I believe it is a decision which has been deeply motivated” he said. 

Poland is one several EU member states which have decided to boycott the UN Conference. The United States, Canada, Israel also announced they would not turn up. (mk/di)