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Palestine participates in the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Durban Conference

Jerusalem24 – Today, Wednesday, the State of Palestine, represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Riyad Al-Maliki, participated in the high-level meeting to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the Declaration of Action of the Durban World Conference, on the sidelines of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The conference is concerned with combating racism, racial discrimination, and related intolerance, specifically the achievement of equality, racial justice and reparations for people of African descent.

The Secretary-General and the President of the United Nations General Assembly opened the meeting, with a remarkable international presence, despite attempts by Israel and some of its allies to disrupt the convening of the conference.

The conference unanimously adopted a resolution under the title: United Against Racism, Racial Discrimination and Other Forms of Discrimination.

In his speech, Al-Maliki said, “I came from the State of Palestine, which continues to tragically continue to face the most severe forms of colonialism and apartheid,” adding: “Nevertheless, in the face of this injustice, the State of Palestine reaffirms the inalienable collective rights to equality and freedom.” dignity, away from racism and discrimination, and the importance of achieving equality between all women and men in the whole world.”

Al-Maliki highlighted the firm foundation of the historical and unwavering support of the Palestinian people to their African brothers and sisters, whose valiant struggle for freedom remains a vital anchor in Palestine’s compass towards liberation, stressing that the path to a more secure and peaceful future based on respect for human rights and equality for all must be based on Deliverance from the shackles of evils and painful legacies that have tied and still constrain the lives of millions around the world.

He added that “modern racism and discrimination, in all their forms, is an unacceptable insult, rooted in historical injustices of slavery and colonialism. Accordingly, accountability, reparations, restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-recurrence are vital demands for the continuity and stability of the global order.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs indicated that the Durban Declaration constitutes a clear call to address racism around the world, pointing out that “the State of Palestine reminds the international community, especially countries that are still clinging to their colonial legacy, or their support for modern colonialism, that they have moral, political, legal and economic responsibilities, to support Durban principles and commitments, not just in words but in deeds.”

Al-Maliki also condemned the unjustified attacks against the Durban Conference that aimed to undermine its lofty goals, expressing the regret of the State of Palestine and its rejection of the decisions of some countries to boycott the conference, calling on them to put an end to the selective and superior positions that have caused immeasurable suffering to the Palestinian people for decades. It is time to correct the errors of history.

Al-Maliki stressed the strong connection between the Palestinian and African struggles against racism, and said, “States owe their people to the struggle for a reality free of racism, and since they have the tools to do so, as stipulated in international law, they pledge to respect the law for the dignity of their people and the peoples of the whole world.”

Mohammad Hamayel

Ramallah based journalist, Mohammad graduated from Al-Quds University with a B.A. in Media and Television. He has covered the 2015 Jerusalem Intifada as well as the Great March of Return for international media outlets. currently an editor/presenter at Jerusalem24. A UN alumni and a follower of global events and politics, especially American affairs.

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