April 19, 2009 – New York – AJC today praised the decision of Australia to withdraw from this week's Durban Review Conference.

"We applaud Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Foreign Minister Stephen Smith for Australia's decision to stand by its principles and refuse to accept the unfair treatment of its democratic friend, Israel," said AJC Executive Director David A. Harris.

"We know that this choice was difficult, given the Australian government's deep commitment to racial equality,” said Harris.” It's still more proof that the UN's relentless obsession with one country obstructs the real struggle for justice and human rights."

Australia follows Canada, Israel, Italy, and the United States in announcing its non-participation in the Durban Review Conference, taking place this week in Geneva. Several other democratic countries are likely to follow the laudable example set by these five nations.

In a statement, Foreign Minister Smith criticized the Review Conference's unequivocal reaffirmation of the 2001 Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, which singled out Israel alone for criticism. As a result, said Smith, "We cannot be confident that the Review Conference will not again be used as a platform to air offensive views, including anti-Semitic views."

AJC maintains a longstanding partnership with the Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC), and regularly discusses issues of common concern with Australian officials.