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Written question asked by Matthew Offord (Conservative) on Tuesday, 11 May 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 13 May 2021. It was answered by Nigel Adams (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 May 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

UN World Conference against Racism

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Canadian counterpart on that country's decision to boycott events marking the 20th anniversary of the 2001 World Conference Against Racism in Durban.

Answer

The United Kingdom is committed to combatting all forms of racism, including anti-semitism, both at home and abroad. We believe that one of the most effective ways to tackle injustices and advocate respect among different religious and racial groups is to encourage all states to uphold their human rights obligations. Some of the anti-Semitic actions and speeches in and around the Durban conference and its various follow-up events gave rise to serious concerns. We will consider UK attendance in the light of developments between now and the commemoration event, including the likelihood of any recurrence.

The Foreign Secretary recently reaffirmed the UK's condemnation to anti-semitism during a debate in the House of Commons on 20 April 2021, and I raised my opposition to anti-semitism during a Westminster Hall Debate on 26 November 2020. We also delivered a statement at the United Nations General Assembly in November expressing concern about the rise of anti-semitism and other forms of discrimination in the wake of Covid-19.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
216
Session
2021-22
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Anniversaries Canada UN World Conference against Racism
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk