THE HAGUE, 04/03/09 - The Netherlands is "deeply disturbed by the turn the Durban Review Conference is taking". If the current draft outcome document is not amended, the country will stay away from the anti-racism conference, Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen said yesterday in an address to the UN Human Rights Council.

"The way in which the preparatory process for this review conference has been proceeding suggests that it is unlikely to be a useful exercise, a meeting that will really assist in reaching our shared objective: abolishing racism," stated Verhagen. "I therefore fully understand why some countries have decided not to participate in these proceedings any longer. For the Netherlands, too, the draft outcome document is not acceptable in its present form."

The US and Canada are among countries that have decided not to attend the conference if the text stays unchanged. They consider the draft outcome document is one-sidedly anti-Israeli and that it restricts the possibilities to criticise religions.

According to Verhagen, "the document does not focus on the main challenges to address the problem of racism. Instead, the thematic world conference is used by some to try to force their concept of defamation of religions and their focus on one regional conflict on all of us", namely the Middle East conflict. "That is certainly not what I have in mind when I call for a more empathetic approach."

"To all the delegates who doubt the Netherlands' intentions, I say this: we do want to participate and work together on a useful outcome - but not at any price. We cannot accept any text, which would put religion above individuals, which would not condemn discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and which would condone anti-semitism or single out Israel. These are clear red lines for the Netherlands."

The UN Human Rights Council, which has been in operation for almost three years now, will be reviewed in two years' time. Although it has "achieved some meaningful results" Verhagen stated that "all too often, we find ourselves at a standstill, unable to proceed because we are crouching in our trenches, hiding behind our respective group positions."

On the one hand Verhagen sometimes observes "a 'West against the rest' mentality" at the UN. "It is as if Huntington's infamous 'clash of civilisations' were unfolding on the UN's main stage, though subtly." On the other hand he rejected any suggestions that Western calls for human rights are a new form of colonisation.

The Human Rights Council "should not be a battleground on which regional blocs settle their scores. We should not allow the Council to degenerate into a politicised and ineffective body. If this is the outcome of the review in two years' time, we will have badly failed the peoples of the world."

It is "obvious" to Verhagen "that emerging powers should have a greater say in the world's affairs and in envisaging solutions to today's problems. Their representation should be improved, first and foremost in the UN Security Council, so that they can make their voices heard and take on more responsibility, in line with their standing. Even if this means that the West has to sacrifice some of its vested interests. The Netherlands is a staunch supporter of inclusive reforms, both at the UN and at the international financial institutions."

A number of changes are called for, mainly in the way in which we UN member states operate, said Verhagen. "First of all, we need engagement", meaning all countries should invest in making the world a better place. "I therefore warmly welcome the United States' decision to engage with the Human Rights Council."

Secondly, Verhagen called for empathy. "There can be no double standards when it comes to the protection of human rights; everyone's rights are of equal value. That means that we should not always lash out at the same countries, while choosing to ignore others." Also, "the Human Rights Council should not just devote itself to defending political rights. It should also focus on economic, social and cultural rights."

Finally, the Human Rights Council needs effectiveness. "We will not succeed (...) if we always attach ourselves immovably to group positions, committing ourselves irrevocably to a predetermined outcome and foregoing the flexibility to engage with others. The Netherlands will challenge the usual regional blocs and standard coalitions, within and beyond the EU, and strive for new allies and coalitions in promoting human rights. We are happy to work with all countries that are committed to promoting respect for human rights, not just with those within our own regional group."