Several UN member states have resolved to withdraw from the international racism conference in Geneva for fear of it becoming a rostrum for discrimination and hatred. The decision came in the wake of unproductive talks aimed at establishing a common stand at the event.

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The Durban Review conference on racism held in Geneva saw a boycott of several member states over fear of it turning into a platform for anti-Semitism. Poland’s refusal to dispatch delegates to the event came in the wake of such declarations made by countries including United States, Canada and Israel.

In a statement released ahead of the conference, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has justified its stance by claiming that it had reason to believe the meeting would be no different than the 2001 World Conference on Racism, and would become “a forum for unacceptable declarations contrary to the spirit of respect for other races and religions.”