UN commemoration of Durban Declaration: What’s on agenda, who will attend?

The United Nations General Assembly will hold a high-level meeting on Monday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration – one of the most comprehensive frameworks to combat racial discrimination and inequality globally.The declaration, which is not legally binding for member states, was adopted at the 2001 World Conference Against Racism in the South African city of Durban. The 153-page document tackles racism, xenophobia, and the oppression of Indigenous people around the world.A political declaration is expected to be adopted at Monday’s meeting, according to the UN.What issues did the 2001 Durban Declaration address?The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), as the document is officially known, urged member states to adopt measures aimed at eradicating various forms of oppression, including racism and gender-based discrimination.The landmark conference recognised historical injustices, acknowledging that slavery and the slave trade are crimes against humanity and are linked to modern poverty and disparities. Apartheid and genocide were described as “sources and manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance”.Th...