Disruptive groups at Durban Review Conference disciplined by UN

Zionist backed organizations held demonstrations throughout the entire Durban Review Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, April 20-24th. (Photo: Ashahed M. Muhammad)

Disruptive groups disciplined by UN

by Ashahed M. Muhammad

GENEVA, Switzerland—The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pallay announced April 23 that disciplinary action was taken against several Non-Governmental Organizations and their members for violating the agreed upon rules of conduct inside the premises of the United Nations.

Participants from the Union des Estudiants Juifs de France (Jewish Student Union of France), the Neda Institute for Political and Scientific Research (NIPSR), and COEXIST, were kicked out of the conference as a result of their disruptive behavior during the Apr. 20 speech by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and violations of several other aspects of the UN code of conduct governing NGO participation in the Durban Review Conference.

According to the UN, security officials interrupted members of the UEJF as they attempted to carry out another disruption during the General Assembly on Apr.21. Conference access for NIPSR was revoked after members were intercepted with “inciting materials.” Distributing materials outside of the UN designated areas, or unapproved materials deemed offensive is prohibited. COEXIST was disciplined for similar reasons to the UEJF.

A total of 229 individuals registered for the Durban Review Conference were affected by the High Commissioner's ruling against the three NGOs.

Several members of the European Union of Jewish Students, and B'nai B'rith were also banned from the conference for similar violations, however, no disciplinary action was taken against the specific NGO.