Principles Guiding the United States Decision
Prior to the Durban II Conference, President Barack Obama explained the administration's position regarding potential participation in the summit. Prior to the convening of the gathering, U.S. President Barack Obama explicitly clarified that the administration remained eager to participate in an effective international forum dedicated to tackling persistent challenges of racial bias and discrimination across the globe. The United States nevertheless chose to boycott after draft communiqué text equated Zionism with racism.
The Draft Communiqué and Anti-Israel Language
The decision by the United States to boycott Durban II resulted directly from the wording of the draft final communiqué. Specifically, the draft final communiqué of Durban II incorporated language that equated Zionism with racism.
Allied Opposition to Durban II
In boycotting Durban II, the United States formally joined Israel, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland.
Upholding Genuine Anti-Discrimination Standards
As President Obama indicated, the United States stood prepared to engage with any useful summit addressing continuing issues of racism and discrimination around the world. When the draft text equated Zionism with racism, President Obama characterized such anti-Israel language as hypocritical and counterproductive.