UN World Conference against Racism

Mr. Dismore
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will withdraw UK (a) representation and (b) support for the United Nations Durban II Conference; and if he will make a statement.

Gillian Merron
The UK is still engaged in the Durban Review process and we will keep our position under review. A new draft outcome document was tabled on 17 March 2009. The Government are considering their position on this document.

The Government have expressed a consistent view on the Durban Review Conference. We want the conference to forge a collective will to fight against racism in all its forms, in all parts of the world. It should not be seen as an opportunity to press unrelated political interests and issues.

Mr. Dismore
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries (a) have withdrawn from and (b) are not otherwise participating in the United Nations Durban II Conference; and if he will make a statement.

Gillian Merron
Canada and Israel have formally withdrawn from the Durban Review Conference.

The US and Italy announced that they would not take part in negotiations on the draft document that was under negotiation, and set conditions for their re-engagement.

This document has now been superseded by an updated version, which issued on 17 March 2009.

The Government have expressed a consistent view on the Durban Review Conference. We want the conference to forge a collective will to fight against racism in all its forms, in all parts of the world. It should not be seen as an opportunity to press unrelated political interests and issues.

Mr. Lidington
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy not to attend the forthcoming Durban II Conference in Geneva; and if he will make a statement.

Gillian Merron
[holding answer of 24 March 2009]: The UK is still engaged in the Durban Review process and we will keep our position under review. A new draft outcome document was tabled on 17 March 2009. The Government are considering its position on this document.

The Government have expressed a consistent view on the Durban Review conference. We want the conference to forge a collective will to fight against racism in all its forms, in all parts of the world. It should not be seen as an opportunity to press unrelated political interests and issues.