Israel has called on United Nations member states to boycott an event marking the 25th anniversary of the Durban Conference, arguing that the process has evolved into a platform for antisemitism and efforts to delegitimise the Jewish state.
The anniversary event is scheduled to take place on 28 September during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Israel criticises Durban legacy
The Durban Conference, held in South Africa in 2001, was originally convened to address racism, racial discrimination and related forms of intolerance.
Israel argues, however, that the conference became associated with anti-Israel rhetoric and antisemitic incidents during its NGO forum.
According to Israel's Permanent Mission to the UN, materials distributed during the gathering included antisemitic imagery and slogans directed against the Jewish people.
Israel and the United States withdrew from the conference after objecting to the language and atmosphere surrounding the discussions.
Calls for boycott
Ahead of the anniversary event, Israel is urging countries not to participate.
Israeli officials argue that attendance would legitimise a process they believe has been used over the years to promote hostility towards Israel.
Israeli representatives also point to subsequent campaigns targeting Israel, including allegations of apartheid, legal actions and support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which they say drew momentum from the Durban process.
Previous events faced opposition
Israel noted that a number of countries have boycotted previous Durban-related commemorations.
According to the Israeli position, 14 countries declined to participate in the 2011 anniversary event, while dozens of UN member states chose not to attend later commemorations.
'Nothing to celebrate'
Speaking to UN correspondents, Danny Danon, Israel's permanent representative to the United Nations, said the anniversary should not be marked as a positive milestone.
"In two weeks, the United Nations will mark 25 years since the Durban Conference, an event that was supposed to combat racism but instead became a platform for antisemitism and the demonisation of Israel," Danon said.
"There is nothing to celebrate about this toxic legacy."
He added that countries committed to combating racism and antisemitism should boycott the event.
