The Israel Institute of New Zealand (IINZ) is calling on the government to boycott the proposed event commemorating the 2001 Durban Conference, where pictures of Hitler were circulated and Jews were blamed for 9/11.
IINZ co-director Dr David Cumin said it should be an easy decision.
“It is clear that the event promotes racism. That is why New Zealand boycotted attempts to revive the conference in 2001 and 2009, alongside other democratic nations.”
In response to written questions, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta this week said that she was still waiting for advice from Ministry officials.
But Dr Cumin said boycotting the conference should be a no-brainer given that 11 other countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States had all committed to boycotting it this year so as not to lend support for racism.
“It’s astounding that our officials cannot produce advice about attending a global event less than one month out.”
IINZ has produced an online tool at www.saynotodurbanracism.nz for anyone wanting to write to Minister Mahuta and Dr Cumin said that hundreds of Kiwis have used it so far.
Read “Say no to Durban IV – Israel Institute” here.
