Human Rights First CALLS U.S. ROLE IN RACISM CONFERENCE
ABDICATION OF LEADERSHIP

The Bush Administration announced early this week that it would not send Secretary of State Colin Powell to the Conference, citing negative references in Conference documents to Israel. It is our understanding that the U.S. is likely to send the U.S. Consul General in Durban as an "observer” and a low-level State Department employee who will try to have the language about Israel changed.  Because there is no U.S. delegate empowered to make decisions or to shape the outcome of the conference, Human Rights First considers this level of participation a boycott of the meeting.

Human Rights First position on U.S. participation:  

·        A boycott of this Conference is an abdication of leadership by the Bush  Administration.  Leadership by the U.S. cannot happen from a distance.  The only way to stand up for our friends and allies against racist slurs is to roll up our sleeves and stare down those who practice hatred. 

·        By boycotting this meeting, the Bush Administration will squander an opportunity to reach out to civil and human rights groups in this country.  Participation in the meeting - and participation at the highest levels of our government - would allow the U.S. to acknowledge racism in our past, and use this acknowledgement as the basis for future constructive action.