Poland actively participated in the preparatory process to the Durban Review Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance to be held in Geneva from 20 to 24 April 2009. We hoped that this Conference will enable to unite and strengthen efforts of the international community in combating racism and all its manifestations. Regrettably, we have reasons to fear that the Conference will again be used as a platform for unacceptable statements that would be contrary to the spirit of respect for all nations and religions, as it was the case at the Durban World Conference against Racism in 2001. We are particularly concerned with possibilities of anti-Semitic views being expressed during the Conference. It would not only discredit the message of the Conference but make impossible an objective and substantial discussion on the problem of racism as well.

        For this reason, Poland has made a difficult decision not to participate in the Durban Review Conference.

        At the same time, we assure that Poland will remain committed to eliminating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

Piotr Paszkowski
Press Spokesman