The United Kingdom has abstained from a vote on a resolution concerning racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance at the UN Human Rights Council. The UK expressed gratitude to the African Group, particularly South Africa, for bringing forward the resolution.
The UK cited longstanding legal concerns regarding several provisions within the resolution that relate to reparations. These concerns are based on the principles of intertemporality and non-retroactivity, which the UK considers essential for legal certainty and the rule of law in international law.
Despite the abstention, the UK affirmed its commitment to combating racism and acknowledged the devastating tragedy and ongoing legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. The UK also reiterated its historic concerns over antisemitism surrounding the Durban Conference, condemning antisemitic comments made at the time while supporting the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action text.