The 'civil' side of Durban II

GENEVA - With the spectacle that was the Durban Review Conference coming to a close today, it is worthwhile to reflect not only on the largely predictable negative episodes that took place during the event - including, but not limited to, the opening keynote address, rife with anti-Semitic rhetoric, of the president of Iran; the much less-than satisfactory official outcome document; and the outrageously disproportionate amount of attention given to Israel during the deliberations - but also to note and draw lessons from the positive influences of civil society actors who were present, particularly those of the participating Jewish organizations.

The preparations leading up to the conference and the event itself saw an unprecedented degree of cooperation and coordination between various Jewish groups. Whereas many states, including Israel, Canada, the United States and Italy, felt compelled to boycott "Durban 2," fearing that it would once again (like its predecessor in 2001) be used as a platform for anti-Semitic propaganda, many Jewish NGOs felt they had an important role to play as non-state actors. What was especially significant about their participation was their decision not simply to be reactive to statements and incidents concerning Israel and the Jews, but in fact to focus on building alliances with other minority groups, to help refocus the week's agenda on legitimate human rights issues.

Parallel to the official UN proceedings, several events supported or organized by Jewish organizations (but open to all) were devoted to discussing issues related to the fight against racism and discrimination and to promoting tolerance and human rights. In these efforts, the Jewish world succeeded where the United Nations failed - that is, in giving adequate attention to the injustices suffered around the world (many in countries with leading roles within the UN Human Rights Council) by members of gay communities, women, victims of the genocides in Rwanda and Sudan, the Dalit in India, the Roma, and others.

Jewish students organized a rally in the Place des Nations to protest the continued state-sanctioned genocide in Darfur, and were joined by dozens of African activists. Darfur refugees who were present clearly voiced, both in conversation and in their speeches, their frustration over the lack of attention given to the Darfur victims' plight at the United Nations, and their hope that efforts - like the rally - on behalf of civil society would help in getting their call for help out to the world. When anti-Zionist protesters tried to disturb the peaceful protest, Jewish demonstrators watched as their African partners succeeded in seizing their offensive banners and driving them away. Witnessing this was especially encouraging in light of the general trend of so many liberal and progressive activists to ignorantly identify with those who oppose Israel's right to exist.

Members of the World Jewish Congress' Diplomatic Corps, a global network of Jewish professionals in their late 20s to early 40s who represent the WJC at various international diplomatic fora, had been preparing for the Durban Review Conference for many months, concentrating their efforts on building relationships with other civil society actors and advancing their platforms. The fruits of these efforts were evident here in Geneva, when Jewish and non-Jewish NGOs united to draft a joint statement against the content of Ahmadinejad's address, and decided on further cooperation and joint initiatives focusing on the rights of religious minorities and other victims of inequality and racial discrimination.

There are two main lessons to draw from these positive developments. One is to be aware that good work (even if it is not necessarily accomplished by those in official roles) is often in danger of being drowned out by the media circus surrounding "sexier" items. This is important, since when it comes to matters of human rights, public awareness is key. A second lesson is that when an effort is made, different groups within the Jewish world that at other times may find themselves at odds with one another are capable of working together, and not only as a reaction to acts of anti-Semitism or in defense of Israel, but also to fulfill the duty of tikkun olam.

Some of us returning from the Durban Review Conference in Geneva may feel disappointed by the its failure to sufficiently address the rights of victims of racism. Some may feel traumatized by Ahmadinejad's words and the warm reception he was given by many delegates. Perhaps these feelings are necessary in order to be galvanized to take action, for example in pressing the case for preventing the extremist and dangerous regime in Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. However, this sense of urgency should not diminish the strong sense of accomplishment and pride in the constructive role played by representatives of the Jewish world at Durban 2.

Ariel Rodal is the coordinator of the World Jewish Diplomatic Corps of the World Jewish Congress.