The boycott of the UN conference on racism by Australia; Canada; Germany; Poland, Italy; Netherlands and the US on grounds that it would incite animosity against Israel is a blow against collective responsibility. Many people, the world over, are bearing the social, economic and health burden of racism. It is no closed secret that the boycotting countries have a dismal record on issues to do with racism.

In an age where racism is a banner to justify expansion, conquest, domination, injustice and violence, the summit on racism is a crucial avenue not only to redefine the rule of law but also to listen and act on the grievances of those discriminated against. Both the boycotting and participating countries must uphold the fact that all races on the face of the earth have a right to exist.