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Topic: Canada Pulls Support For UN Anti-Racism Conference
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bigcitygal
Volunteer Moderator
Babbler # 8938
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posted 24 January 2008 06:20 AM
A number of people I know went to Durban in 01, and the one after that, I forget where it was held. I think Australia?I think we can safely say that rumours of rabid anti-semitism have been wildly exaggerated. The U.S. doesn't like a non-Western-centric view of politics. I would say Canada, under Harper, is the same. And, um, it's like sponsored by the U.N.! Not that the U.N. is perfect, but if Harper and Bush took more notice of why the U.N. supports what and whom it does maybe they'll learn something. But I digress. Canadian delegates will go anyways, this isn't going to stop anyone who wants to go. The huge expense is one barrier, but the people who I knew who went, went as representatives of various community organizations.
From: It's difficult to work in a group when you're omnipotent - Q | Registered: Apr 2005
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johnpauljones
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 7554
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posted 24 January 2008 12:35 PM
It seems that the NDP supports Canada not participating in Durban II quote: NDP supports non-participation in flawed UN conference “Time for Canada to show international leadership on racism” – Dewar OTTAWA – The NDP is deeply committed to fighting racism and intolerance in Canada and around the world, said NDP Foreign Affairs Critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre) and NDP International Human Rights Critic Wayne Marston (Hamilton-East Stoney Creek). “We are deeply concerned that the integrity of the UN Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance has been compromised as a result of poor structure and a lack of real anti-racism leadership on the planning committee,” said Dewar. According to the New Democrat MPs, the first UN anti-racism conference, held in Durban in 2001, became little more than a forum for spreading hatred and was a missed opportunity to work multilaterally to fight racism, discrimination and intolerance. “New Democrats believe that the issue of anti-racism must be led by international voices that are respected throughout the world community,” said Marston. “This conference was clearly failing to achieve that.”
NDP supports non-participation in flawed UN conference
From: City of Toronto | Registered: Nov 2004
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John K
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3407
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posted 24 January 2008 02:20 PM
Well I'm disappointed.As an NDPer, I would have preferred that we stuck with the position that Bill Siksay articulated yesterday in the CTV story linked to above: quote: The NDP said Canada needs to be at the table in Durban. "I think Canada needs to be there even if we bring a different perspective and can say something differently than other people in the world," said British Columbia MP Bill Siksay. Siksay added that the Conservative government should not abandon its traditional commitment to multilateralism.
If nothing else, I think it's premature for Canada to pull the plug on this important conference. As Siksay said, we should be at the table.
From: Edmonton | Registered: Nov 2002
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miles
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 7209
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posted 24 January 2008 02:51 PM
This is great news. As an NDP member i was upset that Siskay was talking for the caucus rather than our foreign affairs critic. Where were Dewar or Marsden yesterday? So it seems that the Libs, Cons and NDP agree that Durban1 was an attack and do not want to see it repeated. [ 24 January 2008: Message edited by: miles ]
From: vaughan | Registered: Oct 2004
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miles
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 7209
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posted 24 January 2008 03:05 PM
I agree Michelle Durban1 was such a help to those who needed. The entire conference was hijacked to focus on 1 issue. Those who really needed help were ignored.Now maybe just maybe more than 1 issue can be discussed. and maybe the nations of the world will convene a conference that really does deal with issues of racism around the globe. [ 24 January 2008: Message edited by: miles ]
From: vaughan | Registered: Oct 2004
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miles
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 7209
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posted 24 January 2008 03:12 PM
actually Michelle i can t speak for anyone but Mrs Miles who was at Durban1 as a rep for an NGO she works with. Her issue never got to be discussed because all that was talked about was Israel.Mrs Miles and her colleauges worked for close to 6 months on the issue of India and the caste system . Her entire presentation on honour killing and how the caste system only hurts women was basically cancelled. I guess the rights of women in the Indian sub continent are just not that important So I am not sure what you mean by pet colonialist Michelle. Unless you really think that Israel is the only topic that needs to be addressed. [ 24 January 2008: Message edited by: miles ]
From: vaughan | Registered: Oct 2004
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unionist
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 11323
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posted 24 January 2008 03:38 PM
quote: Originally posted by johnpauljones: It seems that the NDP supports Canada not participating in Durban II.
Cowards and opportunists. I wonder which poll and focus group they consulted for this latest position of "principle"? Oh, just out of curiosity, was the NDP actually condemning Durban II (or Durban I for that matter) before those great anti-racist heroes and friends of the Jewish people - Harper & Sons - made their announcement? This is disgusting. ETA: Because of the mixed crowd on babble these days, I ought to specify that my description of Harper & Co. as "anti-racist" and "friends of the Jewish people" was meant as contemptuous sarcasm. [ 24 January 2008: Message edited by: unionist ]
From: Vote QS! | Registered: Dec 2005
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remind
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6289
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posted 24 January 2008 04:20 PM
quote: Originally posted by Michelle: Yes, it's wonderful to see the NDP lending support to the status quo, and comforting the comfortable. A quick glance at this thread to see who is cheering the NDP for this should tell people all they need to know about what the NDP stands for these days: colonialism, occupation, liberalism, and white western hegemony.
I am leaning towards this perception too Michelle, as I believe we should be there, and I have written almost exactly what you stated, before I read what you stated, to the NDP and to the ALL NDP MP's, plus saying more. And I have also asked them for truth and clarification as to the change in postions from one day to the next, and who exactly lobbied for this change. (well except for Jean Crowder, her parliament email is not working and it bounced back)
From: "watching the tide roll away" | Registered: Jun 2004
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laine lowe
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 13668
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posted 24 January 2008 06:42 PM
Has anyone actually read the resolutions that came from the 2001 Durban conference? Here is a pdf link:[URL=http://www.un.org/WCAR/durban.pdf ]Conference Resolutions[/URL] I am curious to know which NDP MPs were in attendance? Definitely the media focused on the more virulent discussions but in the end there were compromises made to come to agreement on the resolutions. Why didn't those MPs in attendance point that out before they issued that suck up to Harper statement? I recommend you read the document and illustrate one damn resolution that is anti-semitic.
From: north of 50 | Registered: Dec 2006
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John K
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3407
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posted 24 January 2008 09:00 PM
Michelle's accusation against the NDP is too broad brush. The NDP continues to take a very principled position on Afghanistan and many other issues. At the same time, I will be emailing Paul Dewar and Wayne Marsten with my concerns about this particular decision. The conference was in the early planning stages. They haven't even picked a location despite it being dubbed DurbanII. And as laine points out, there was little -if anything - in the final resolution from DurbanI that was objectionable. Canada should have remained at the table.
From: Edmonton | Registered: Nov 2002
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catherine-l
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 14279
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posted 25 January 2008 04:42 AM
I'm concerned about this move too. It's not often one sees the likes of the Canadian Coalition for Democracy heaping effusive praise on an NDP position. Canada is the first country to boycott this conference, although presumably Israel will follow our lead. I also wondered about the recent UN vote where: Canada stood alone today in voting against the United Nations Human Rights Commission’s latest condemnation of Israel, the 15th since June of 2006. It was adopted by 30 Yes votes, with 1 No vote (Canada), 15 abstentions and one 'absent.' Was the US one of the abstentions or were they not included in this vote? I wouldn't expect Canada to go farther than the US in backing Israel.
From: ontario | Registered: Jun 2007
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Geneva
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3808
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posted 25 January 2008 05:58 AM
quote: Originally posted by Stockholm: The US might not be part of the UN Human Rights Commission.
it is now the Human Rights COUNCIL and, no, the US is not a member, hence cannot vote ... the abstentions were basically EU members [ 25 January 2008: Message edited by: Geneva ]
From: um, well | Registered: Feb 2003
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Petsy
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 12553
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posted 25 January 2008 06:18 AM
I too would like to know who these people are. Certainly not Babble posters!!One interesting side note, the only party not to officially endorse the pull out from Durban seems to be the Liberals!
From: Toronto | Registered: May 2006
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adam stratton
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 14803
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posted 25 January 2008 06:44 AM
Wouldn't be more dignifying for Canada (Harper government and Dewar's NDP) to participate, provide examples of the anti-semitism that has been and could be propagated in the Conference and condemn it in the stongest terms?Unless Israel and/or some apologists for its racist policies just directed them not to participate, period! [ 25 January 2008: Message edited by: adam stratton ]
From: Eastern Ontario | Registered: Dec 2007
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remind
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6289
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posted 25 January 2008 07:57 AM
quote: Originally posted by catherine-l: How quickly things can change.
Amazing what a Liberal Conservative coalition government can do, eh?! quote: I was telling American friends that Canada would never go along with the idea of NATO replacing the UN. Now I see numerous Canadian blogs saying how proud they are that Canada is finally leading the way on putting the UN in its place, and at the same time, we seem to be falling over ourselves to be the one country to save NATO.
Could you please provide examples of this, or links, as I had not noticed this in Blog world. quote: I'm also the one who thought Canadians didn't like to mix religion and politics! Well ... shows what I know.
They don't, in fact I would say most Canadians do not want any drift away from secular public policies. On second thought of your words, are you positioning this decision to back out of the UN's World racism Conference, and Canada taking an anti-UN stand, as religiously motivated?
From: "watching the tide roll away" | Registered: Jun 2004
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catherine-l
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 14279
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posted 25 January 2008 09:15 AM
Oh, just referring to blogs which start off with statements like: quote: Canada stuck its finger in the UN’s eye twice yesterday. Makes me proud to be a Canadian.
Just google this topic in blogs, there is no shortage of examples. The religion and politics thought was not related in topic, just in sentiment. I'm having one of my oh canada, i hardly knew ye moments after seeing the responses (elsewhere) to this Harper decision and it reminds my recent eye-opener on the completely different topic. ETA: actually the above quote could well be sarcastic - just pulled a statement that came up at the top, and didn't check where it was from. Anyway, there are lots of Conservative blogs cheering this on and their sentiments about the UN generally are clear. ETA-again: Okay, not sarcasm. A blogger, Magic Statistics, who doesn't like the UN, HRC or Richard Warman. Someone above noticed these common connections as well. [ 25 January 2008: Message edited by: catherine-l ] [ 25 January 2008: Message edited by: catherine-l ]
From: ontario | Registered: Jun 2007
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remind
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6289
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posted 25 January 2008 10:10 AM
quote: Originally posted by catherine-l: Just google this topic in blogs, there is no shortage of examples.
did and found not much of anything. But found that Wiki has an interesting entry for Durban 1. quote: During preparatory meetings in Geneva, text that linked Zionism to racism was placed in brackets, with the expectation that it would be replaced by text that referred to violations of the rights of Palestinians. The U.S. had already threatened to boycott the conference should the conference draft documents include text that could be in any way interpreted as linking Zionism to racism. Mary Robinson had also said that regional political conflicts should not be imposed upon the agenda of the conference. The Australian, the Canadian, and some European delegations shared the U.S. view.[3]
Wiki on Durban I quote: The religion and politics thought was not related in topic, just in sentiment. I'm having one of my oh canada, i hardly knew ye moments after seeing the responses (elsewhere) to this Harper decision and it reminds my recent eye-opener on the completely different topic.
You must be young then, as the Canada today, is much more palatable than the 60's, 70's and 80's. quote: ETA: Anyway, there are lots of Conservative blogs cheering this on and their sentiments about the UN generally are clear.
Well it is to be expected they would be, given their position on the UN being the anti-Christ.
From: "watching the tide roll away" | Registered: Jun 2004
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Petsy
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 12553
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posted 25 January 2008 10:32 AM
quote: Originally posted by adam stratton:
Unless Israel and/or some apologists for its racist policies just directed them not to participate, period! [ 25 January 2008: Message edited by: adam stratton ]
"...directed them not to..." haven't we all had enough of this stupid innuendo ascribing to Israel and their 'apologists' (not Jews I'm sure) a power to control Canadian government policy that it obviously does not have? Those like Adam here who need to stay on this bandwagon are in my view propogating stupid conspiratorial theories that have a potential malicious taste.[ 25 January 2008: Message edited by: Petsy ]
From: Toronto | Registered: May 2006
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johnpauljones
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 7554
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posted 25 January 2008 10:44 AM
quote: Originally posted by Slumberjack:
Maybe not so much 'directing' is going on, just perhaps the desire to do whatever is required, to solidify an influential political base.
I am always suprised at the power this base is supposed to have. Canada has 31 million or so people here. Of that 300,000 are Jews. Where is this influencial political base? Ridings like Mont Royal or Thornhill have the 2 largest percentages of Jewish people but neither is 40%
From: City of Toronto | Registered: Nov 2004
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Slumberjack
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 10108
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posted 25 January 2008 10:52 AM
quote: Originally posted by johnpauljones: I am always suprised at the power this base is supposed to have. Canada has 31 million or so people here. Of that 300,000 are Jews. Where is this influencial political base? Ridings like Mont Royal or Thornhill have the 2 largest percentages of Jewish people but neither is 40%
It's not the perceived inherent power that is the issue, just opportunism on the part of the political class to manipulate segments of society for their own gain. We see it now in the US primaries where the candidates find religion to be a useful conduit into the good graces of the faithful, or in the Canadian context, in the pandering of the cons to fringe elements of the right. To attribute one specific group as having some power above their numbers is distracting to what really goes on, because all groups have their own various influences to certain degrees. The successful politicians are the ones that can tap into enough of these influences in order to collectively achieve a benefit. [ 25 January 2008: Message edited by: Slumberjack ]
From: An Intensive De-Indoctrination, But I'm Fine Now | Registered: Aug 2005
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johnpauljones
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 7554
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posted 25 January 2008 10:58 AM
quote: Originally posted by Slumberjack:
It's not the perceived inherent power that is the issue, just opportunism on the part of the political class to manipulate segments of society for their own gain. We see it now in the US primaries where the candidates find religion to be a useful conduit into the good graces of the faithful, or in the Canadian context, in the pandering of the cons to fringe elements of the right. To attribute one specific group as having some power above their numbers is distracting to what really goes on, because all groups have their own various influences to certain degrees. The successful politicians are the ones that can tap into enough of these influences in order to collectively achieve a benefit.[ 25 January 2008: Message edited by: Slumberjack ]
Pandering of the cons to a fringe element of the right? tap into enough of these influences in order to collectively achieve a benefit? What are you referring to?
From: City of Toronto | Registered: Nov 2004
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laine lowe
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 13668
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posted 25 January 2008 11:17 AM
Those wondering about the Liberal position might want to read this by Irwin Cotler:The Disgrace of Durban - Five Years Later Here is a good overview of events from a progressive POV (and someone in attendance): US Derided for Walk-Out
From: north of 50 | Registered: Dec 2006
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adam stratton
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 14803
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posted 25 January 2008 01:09 PM
quote: Adam didn't Canada do that very thing at Durban1 yet the anti-semetic materials and discussions did not end? Canada stayed at Durban1 yet had no impact. -Jhonpauljones
It only shows a weak committment to anti-racism when because of some definitely anti-semitic literature and actions on the part of rogues individuals or organizations or even states, "we refuse to play". Yet, the Harper government or its predecessors never withdrew their participation in international conferences and gathering with the capitalist elites to shape our polices in spite of protests and banners likening the concerned leaders to Hitler and what have you. Do you see my point, JPJ?
From: Eastern Ontario | Registered: Dec 2007
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adam stratton
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 14803
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posted 25 January 2008 01:30 PM
quote: "...directed them not to..." haven't we all had enough of this stupid innuendo ascribing to Israel and their 'apologists' (not Jews I'm sure) a power to control Canadian government policy that it obviously does not have? Those like Adam here who need to stay on this bandwagon are in my view propogating stupid conspiratorial theories that have a potential malicious taste. -Petsy
Petsy, Just today, it was announced that the USA is "pressuring" Egypt to close its border with Gaza. For anyone versed in the history of the US interference in world affairs, for anyone who read the history of the US "pressures" -by for instance reading about the role of Henry Kissinger- will realize that the US orders, not pressures. While it is too early now to "read about it", history should teach us. I will not comment on your conspiracy and Elders of ZIon crap. Stay by yourself in the gutter!!
From: Eastern Ontario | Registered: Dec 2007
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ohara
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 7961
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posted 25 January 2008 01:55 PM
quote: Originally posted by adam stratton:
Petsy, Just today, it was announced that the USA is "pressuring" Egypt to close its border with Gaza. For anyone versed in the history of the US interference in world affairs, for anyone who read the history of the US "pressures" -by for instance reading about the role of Henry Kissinger- will realize that the US orders, not pressures. While it is too early now to "read about it", history should teach us. I will not comment on your conspiracy and Elders of ZIon crap. Stay by yourself in the gutter!!
Where did anyone mention you in conjunction with the elders of zion?
From: Ottawa | Registered: Jan 2005
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Lord Palmerston
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 4901
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posted 25 January 2008 02:27 PM
quote: Originally posted by ohara: Well now it seems that the Liberals have officialy supported the decision to stay away from Durban:Conservatives must continue to fight against racism
Sounds like they plagarized from the NDP statement.
From: Toronto | Registered: Jan 2004
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unionist
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 11323
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posted 25 January 2008 02:46 PM
quote: Originally posted by ohara: Well now it seems that the Liberals have officialy supported the decision to stay away from Durban:
I am so shocked. Sigh, I hate quoting myself: quote: Somehow, I just can't believe Stéphane Dion will show more courage than the cowards of the NDP leadership. If he hasn't already praised Harper, it must be because he's too busy figuring out how to support the Manley panel's recommendations.
From: Vote QS! | Registered: Dec 2005
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adam stratton
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 14803
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posted 25 January 2008 05:40 PM
quote: Would the West be there if the invasion didn't have it's origins in evangelical delusions about a conflict between religion and civilization? Or was the Bush 9/11 war speech where the word 'crusade' was slipped in just a writer's accident" -sllumberjack
Right on. Actually when Russia's Putin called George Bush to convey his sorrow for 9/11, he reminded Bush that Russia is a Christian country and stands with the USA. Crusade it is. Muslim nations who do not submit to the Christian West led by the USA have been targeted and others are still being targeted.
From: Eastern Ontario | Registered: Dec 2007
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remind
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6289
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posted 25 January 2008 05:45 PM
quote: Originally posted by Slumberjack: Would the West be there if the invasion didn't have it's origins in evangelical delusions about a conflict between religion and civilization? Or was the Bush 9/11 war speech where the word 'crusade' was slipped in just a writer's accident"
Yep, its about oil and opium. Bush's speech writer threw that in as a hook to the religious right to get them to buy into something that really is about oil and opium. Note I said religious right.
From: "watching the tide roll away" | Registered: Jun 2004
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Slumberjack
rabble-rouser
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posted 25 January 2008 06:04 PM
quote: Originally posted by remind: Yep, its about oil and opium. Bush's speech writer threw that in as a hook to the religious right to get them to buy into something that really is about oil and opium. Note I said religious right.
Caspian and Regional Information Resource It really is about oil, natural gas, etc. I was fortunate to receive some books from this author, which are very insightful. [ 25 January 2008: Message edited by: Slumberjack ]
From: An Intensive De-Indoctrination, But I'm Fine Now | Registered: Aug 2005
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adam stratton
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 14803
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posted 25 January 2008 06:14 PM
quote: Religion is useful in that regard, it brings people together. -slumberjack
It would have been much harder to sell to the American public and mobilize public and media were the wars (Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia etc..) targeting Christian lands.
From: Eastern Ontario | Registered: Dec 2007
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Slumberjack
rabble-rouser
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posted 25 January 2008 06:33 PM
quote: Originally posted by adam stratton:
It would have been much harder to sell to the American public and mobilize public and media were the wars (Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia etc..) targeting Christian lands.
The Serbs would digress.
From: An Intensive De-Indoctrination, But I'm Fine Now | Registered: Aug 2005
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laine lowe
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 13668
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posted 25 January 2008 07:40 PM
Nice drift on the topic at hand.The usual players have made the whole issue about Israel and it's foes. Everyone who refuses to acknowledge the importance of this conference is blindly racist whether they realize it or not. It took me awhile, back in the 80s, to realize why my friends who were PoC suggested that I had racist tendencies ingrained in my social construct. They were right. At the time, I was offended and thought that I had supported all the right causes and supported policy that was anti-racist. But it took many more years of listening and reading to realize how western ethnocentric my views were. Canada's official parties have just shown that they just don't get what racism is about. They have just spat on a forum that allows such diverse groups as the Roma, indigenous peoples throughout the world, people from Africa and of African decent, etc. to air their grievances and move forward in finding justice for their respective peoples. Shame on those governments and groups who would deny them an official forum. In another thread, it was mentioned that the NDP was too white. That may or may not be true but this move certainly places them firmly in the camp of western colonialists in their attitude.
From: north of 50 | Registered: Dec 2006
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adam stratton
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 14803
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posted 25 January 2008 07:50 PM
quote: The Serbs would digress.
You mean disagree. Well, that was the last chapter of the battle of capitalism v. socialism (remember the cold war, Cuba etc). Islam is the enemy now.
From: Eastern Ontario | Registered: Dec 2007
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catherine-l
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 14279
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posted 26 January 2008 04:52 AM
The Toronto Star has an editorial on this, arguing that we should be at the table fighting racism.The government's statement that it will focus instead on the Holocaust Task Force appears to undervalue all the other forms of racism and bigotry which should be addressed by this type of UN conference. In other words, it reinforces the unjustified UN focus on matters surrounding Israel, rather than setting a broader example of what this conference should and could be. I haven't seen any reports yet of the US or Israel following Canada's lead, although I doubt Harper would have done this without knowing that was coming. Otherwise, it would look rather strange to have Israel there fighting against anti-Semitism, but not us.
From: ontario | Registered: Jun 2007
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unionist
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 11323
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posted 26 January 2008 05:28 AM
quote: Originally posted by catherine-l:
I haven't seen any reports yet of the US or Israel following Canada's lead, although I doubt Harper would have done this without knowing that was coming. Otherwise, it would look rather strange to have Israel there fighting against anti-Semitism, but not us.
Canada's New Government was the first government (ahead of the U.S.!) to withdraw funding from the Palestinian Authority when Hamas was elected. We are merely continuing that proud tradition, only now, the NDP and Liberals can also share in the honour.
From: Vote QS! | Registered: Dec 2005
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unionist
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 11323
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posted 26 January 2008 07:10 AM
As Tommy_Paine pointed out in the Never-endum Faith Commission Thread Marathon, the NDP website seems to have made the original cowardly statement by Dewar and Marston inaccessible. It is still available, though, on Google Cache in text version.Perhaps this is a hopeful sign that the NDP is reconsidering its position? Or maybe their site was just hacked by Hamas... [ 26 January 2008: Message edited by: unionist ]
From: Vote QS! | Registered: Dec 2005
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John K
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3407
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posted 26 January 2008 09:00 AM
quote: Posted by unionist: perhaps this is a hopeful sign that the NDP is reconsidering its position?
I think that's a reasonable assumption. A pure guess on my part but this may indicate that the entire parliamentary caucus may make the call on this issue, rather than just the critics. As much as I like and respect Bill Siksay, he may have had a momentary brain cramp forgetting that we was no longer the human rights critic (except for LGBT issues) when the CTV reporter originally called for reaction. Then the real critics may have felt pressure to "set the record straight" rather than waiting to take it to the caucus to decide. Whatever the reason, I would welcome a re-think of the matter by the entire parliamentary caucus. And kudos to remind for being so quick off the mark by emailing the NDP MPs. I haven't gotten around to sending my email yet. [ 26 January 2008: Message edited by: John K ] [ 26 January 2008: Message edited by: John K ]
From: Edmonton | Registered: Nov 2002
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St. Paul's Progressive
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posted 26 January 2008 12:11 PM
quote: Originally posted by johnpauljones: It seems that the NDP supports Canada not participating in Durban II NDP supports non-participation in flawed UN conference
This is an excellent statement by Dewar. I think the NDP position is perfect. They oppose this specific conference that had been hijacked by anti-Semites. But unlike the Tories, they also constructively propose a real anti-racism forum. Bravo.
From: Toronto | Registered: May 2006
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unionist
rabble-rouser
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posted 26 January 2008 12:34 PM
quote: Originally posted by St. Paul's Progressive:
I think the NDP position is perfect.
Better phone them fast before they change it then. You may end up alone in your opinion.
From: Vote QS! | Registered: Dec 2005
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remind
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6289
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posted 26 January 2008 02:14 PM
quote: Originally posted by melovesproles: Boycotting an international UN forum and setting up a 'real' forum in North America is the kind of brilliant idea I would expect from the Conservatives or the Republicans.
Yes, that is they way I see this portion of Dewar's comments too: quote: The NDP MPs also called on the Harper Conservatives to show real leadership on the issue. “Canada should not only cancel its participation in Durban II, but it should also take a role in proposing an alternative,” said Dewar. “Canada should take the initiative and host an international forum on the issues of racism, discrimination, xenophobia, and intolerance. Our country can serve as a platform for a world-wide discussion committed to uprooting racism.”
Which I believed the implications of which were trying to be offset by this: quote: “The cancellation of our participation doesn’t mean that the Harper government can continue to sit on its hands and ignore the serious problems of racism that still exist in Canada,” said Marston. “Mr. Kenney should, without delay, assure the Government of Canada’s continued funding for the Anti-Racism Council of Canada.”
It was held in a "white country" with serious issues of racial bigotry towards the Aboriginals there, and what the world should have the next one in a "white country" with the same issues, too? Anyhow, I am still waiting for a response from the NDP, or an NDP MP, on their support of this withdrawing.
From: "watching the tide roll away" | Registered: Jun 2004
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laine lowe
rabble-rouser
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posted 26 January 2008 08:03 PM
The National Anti-Racism Council of Canada strongly opposes this boycott. Here is a link to their membership: NARCC Members Here is a link to their statement: quote:
“We are disappointed in the Canadian Government’s decision,” Estella Muyinda, Executive Director of the National Anti-Racism Council of Canada said today. “Racism is on the rise in Canada and internationally; Canada should stay engaged and not walk away from the table.”“This decision shows the world that Canada is not interested in leading a global alliance against racism and all forms of discrimination.”
Reaction from NARCC I hope the NDP does reconsider their position. Right now every right wing pundit and blogger across North America (including some extreme voices in the USA) are applauding Harper. And that has got to be embarrassing one would hope.
From: north of 50 | Registered: Dec 2006
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bigcitygal
Volunteer Moderator
Babbler # 8938
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posted 27 January 2008 02:49 AM
laine lowe, a belated and huge thank you for what you shared upthread and for your support of the WCAR conference.Jason Kenney is the most ridiculous person to represent anything regarding "multiculturalism". It would be a huge joke if it weren't true. Don't get me started. The idea of Canada supporting and hosting an international anti-racism conference is laughable, hysterically laughable. What many white folks, including our beloved political leaders in all parties (since they've all come out in support of the Cons) can't get their Western-colonizer minds around is that white folks aren't the center of anti-racism: POC and FN people are. The idea of anti-racist POC and FN people around the world taking initiative and running their own conference must share the shit out of them. Good. And Jason Kenney? That quote about assuring the continued funding of NAARC is supposed to indicate the government's support of AR issues? Vomit-inducing. Canada and the U.S., as colonizers and bodies that have used slavery, enforced imprisonment, reservations and genocide against African and Indigenous peoples are rightly on the defensive when these issues come up. We haven't operated in a vacuum you know. The world is aware of what Canada has done and has never apologized for, or made any gesture of reconciliation. And don't get me wrong, I love NAARC, they do great work, and I've known the previous ED for many years, I even applied for a job with them many years ago. But they list three full-time people on their website. THREE! For all of Canada! This does not instill confidence in my activist's heart that the Conservative government values this very important organization and would be interested in allotting them more resources for expansion. I wish I could go to the conference, and I'm hopeful people I know will go and let us back home know about various happenings.
From: It's difficult to work in a group when you're omnipotent - Q | Registered: Apr 2005
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unionist
rabble-rouser
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posted 27 January 2008 07:32 AM
Strange - other than the "Victoria Chinatown" website, I've seen no reference to this statement by Estelle Muyinda of NARCC, allegedly made on January 24.The linked site says "a statement has been released by the National Anti-Racist Council" - but a glance at the NARCC website section entitled "public statements shows no statement of any kind listed since June 28, 2006! Can anyone shed any light on this? Is NARCC active? Meanwhile, back on the NDP website, the link still reads: "Access denied You are not authorized to access this page." Let's hope Monday morning sheds some light on that mystery. Please, please everyone encourage the NDP to do the right thing here.
From: Vote QS! | Registered: Dec 2005
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writer
editor emeritus
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posted 27 January 2008 08:00 AM
unionist, I've noticed a similar lack of updates on many a feminist website in the last year, after the gutting of Status of Women.A national organization with 3 staff members and pressing issues on many fronts ... There is a lot to do on the ground, and taking time to update the website might have dropped off the priority list. Unfortunate, but this is often what happens.
From: tentative | Registered: Apr 2002
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unionist
rabble-rouser
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posted 27 January 2008 08:15 AM
quote: Originally posted by writer: There is a lot to do on the ground, and taking time to update the website might have dropped off the priority list.
You're right, and the thought had occurred to me that it might just be the website. In the meantime, I've found the source (it wasn't easy!) - it was an interview with Estella Muyinda responding to Jason Kenney: quote: ESTELLA MUYINDA: Yes, Canada should be at the conference. More reason why it should be is because this conference would be about so many other issues --IEN: Such as? ESTELLA MUYINDA: Well, at the conference in Durban there were issues related to the migrants, the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the Sintis, the Romas, and many other issues -- aboriginal issues. So, many, many people who were hurting historically who had nobody to state that they were facing discrimination or racism had an opportunity to tell the world and get things acknowledged and get an agenda in place whereby racism would be addressed. More so today we see that there's a rise in racism internationally. IEN: Yes. ESTELLA MUYINDA: So, Canada should be an agent of change. Canada should stay at the table so that it would be able to lead a global alliance. IEN: Are politics at play here? ESTELLA MUYINDA: I cannot speak to that. That's for the government to say. IEN: As far as looking ahead to this next conference, do you think anything will get done? You heard Mr. Kenney say that Libya is involved, Iran's involved. And basically what's going to get done when you have nations like that who often spew hate and talk of violence at the table conducting affairs? ESTELLA MUYINDA: Canada is a leader. And Canada should stay as a leader. Being there would ensure that whatever progress that can be made towards eradicating racism that there's a country that is out there, that's speaking to that. And by staying Canada would be able to ensure that anything that is problematic is dealt with, as it did before. Staying ensured that the language that was in the documents was a language that was supportive of issues against racism.
Bravo! Please, Jack Layton and colleagues, have a look at this.
From: Vote QS! | Registered: Dec 2005
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brookmere
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 9693
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posted 27 January 2008 08:23 AM
It should also be noted that the Indian government fought the inclusion of caste in the agenda at the Durban conference. quote: The Indian Government has said Durban is not a proper place to tackle a domestic issue.Condemning the caste system would equate "casteism with racism, which makes India a racist country, which we are not", India's junior foreign minister, Omar Abdullah, said.
Take the log out of your own eye, etc. Discrimination on the basis of ancestry, e.g. caste, is racism. BBC Story [ 27 January 2008: Message edited by: brookmere ]
From: BC (sort of) | Registered: Jun 2005
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melovesproles
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 8868
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posted 27 January 2008 01:26 PM
quote: who said anything about where the "real forum" should be held?
Paul Dewar. quote: “Canada should not only cancel its participation in Durban II, but it should also take a role in proposing an alternative,” said Dewar. “Canada should take the initiative and host an international forum on the issues of racism, discrimination, xenophobia, and intolerance. Our country can serve as a platform for a world-wide discussion committed to uprooting racism.”
Or do you have a different reading of 'host'?
From: BC | Registered: Apr 2005
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melovesproles
rabble-rouser
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posted 27 January 2008 02:52 PM
quote: "Host" could mean to fund the conference.
quote: But, I think that having a conference in Canada on racism would be an example of a very pro-active thing that Canada could do on this file.
No, there is nothing wrong with 'a' conference. But boycotting the UN conference to hold one here which glorifies Canada as a model for dealing with racism is pro-active in the sense that Canada is pro-actively damaging multilateralism. It is also extremely arrogant. quote: As far as the Declaration of Indigenous Rights is concerned - there is a difference between whether the government wants to sign or not sign a document - and how racist a society is as a whole.
Racism is a necessary ingredient when stealing other people's land, Canada has fostered ignorance and racism about our indigenous people for that reason. It is still widespread. Its a joke to say Canada is a model on this. quote: BTW: The next UN conference won't be in Durban - for all we know it was supposed to be in North Korea.
If we know so little about it then why are we so quick to boycott it?
From: BC | Registered: Apr 2005
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remind
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6289
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posted 27 January 2008 03:04 PM
quote: Originally posted by Stockholm: BTW: The next UN conference won't be in Durban - for all we know it was supposed to be in North Korea.
Stockholm do you ever know what you are talking about? quote: Canada will not support preparations for a UN anti-racism conference planned for Durban, South Africa, next year.
From thew OP link above
From: "watching the tide roll away" | Registered: Jun 2004
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just one of the concerned
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posted 27 January 2008 04:15 PM
quote: Originally posted by unionist:
Canada's New Government was the first government (ahead of the U.S.!) to withdraw funding from the Palestinian Authority when Hamas was elected. We are merely continuing that proud tradition, only now, the NDP and Liberals can also share in the honour.
Right to the point: this is just more of Harper's plan to be the first to condemn Palestine, to be the first to insult China and sing back to the choir about everything. This time he wants to be the first to abandon the conference, which did feature the most base antisemitism and neo-nazi performances, as others here have mentioned. Of course, that's not why Canada is not going. Not for antisemitism. It's the empire. And the other parties embarass themselves by playing Harper's game with him.
From: in the cold outside of the cjc | Registered: Jan 2008
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laine lowe
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 13668
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posted 27 January 2008 04:23 PM
Has anyone else been wondering why now? I scoured the UN's HRC and affiliated sites for an official media release or backgrounder about the upcoming 2009 Anti-Racism Conference. Nothing.But I did come across this group who are promoting an active campaign to boycott Durban II. NGO Monitor Durban II Interesting enough, they also feature articles and press briefings by Irwin Cotler on Gaza: Cotler reveals why he pulled out of HRC Mission Another group that has also been monitoring Durban II planning is UN Watch. Guess who is a member? Sourcewatch backgrounder on UN Watch
From: north of 50 | Registered: Dec 2006
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