Statement by UN Commissioner for Human Rights On Iran's President Ahmadinejad Speech

Press Release
Statement by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on speech by President of Iran at Durban Review Conference
20 April 2009

The following comments may be ascribed to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay:


"I utterly deplore the speech of the President of Iran delivered this afternoon at the Durban Review Conference against racism.

I condemn the use of a UN forum for political grandstanding. I find this totally objectionable.

Much of his speech was clearly beyond the scope of the Conference. It also clearly went against the long-standing UN position adopted by the General Assembly with respect to equating Zionism with racism.

The best riposte for this type of event is to reply and correct, not to withdraw and boycott the Conference."

http://www.un.org/durbanreview2009/coverage/press/pr_20-04-09_iran_pillay.shtml

from the outset. Many saw this coming. Others were in denial.

How can they comment on a UN Conference they are boycotting?

If they were not boycotting, their views could be presented at the UN Conference and would be listened to by the delegations and the world community.

in the first place.

Smart move!

on such matters as human rights and racism. Brilliant.

against Ahmadinejad's deplorable rant and those who enable and excuse the public airing of such filth.

boycotting was just wise. Taking part in this Orwellian circus is just sad.

Only the United States led by Israel and a handful of white European nations are boycotting.

Cute.

Bye.

your bizarre emphasis on race is sick.