I hope the Netherlands does not participate in this conference. This event fuels racism and doesn't combat racism; it's original intended goals. The first meeting was influenced by countries and religious blocs of people who controled the agenda. It is so unfortunate that the United Nations has turned into such a farce. They have lost their moral compass. If world countries are going to discuss racism...It makes sense that the topics that should be to the forefront of this conference are 1) Stopping Islamic extremism in our countries 2) How to integrate immigrants into our society with practical and achievable solutions 3) Solutions should the goals of intergration not be met 4) confronting and discussing the present wars in the world and the countries who pose the biggest threats to democracy and living in freedom. 4) Stopping Iran from aquiring nuclear weapons (sanctions have NOT worked)and the threat it poses to Europe, and the whole Middle East. 5) discussing hatred of certain people and debunking ridicolous myths about them.

This conference should not be dictated by Racist countries. This is why The Netherlands should follow suit and not participate.

By Brock Davis | March 4, 2009 8:49 AM

I was mesmerised by the Minister's speech. If he really means what he says, the Netherlands will be a beacon of human rights through action in the near future. But, I remain doubtful till I see words and actions come together.
The Netherlands has kept good relations with those human rights violators in Africa, they finance and abate those leaders.Had it been for the fact that the Dutch and other Westerners led by example, the likes of me would not have exiled here today. I respect the Minister's words, but I call up on to him to match the words he delivered with action .But his rethoric is one of the great orations of our time.
Fasil
Maastrich University.

By Fasil | March 4, 2009 7:58 PM

Love to the Dutch people for not attending this conference that stands
against the Netherlands tradition of tolerance. Thank you to Verhagen for standing up in solidarity with the geographically tiny State of Israel who is fighting so hard for it's survival. G-d will bless Holland for again helping the Jewish people and Mankind.

By Seth | March 4, 2009 10:39 PM

The UN should never have allowed non democratic countries to vote on issues like human rights. What we have now is a situation where the non democratic countries (particularly the islamic theocracies) are forcing through resolutions which put religious doctrine above our basic human rights. The UN human rights council is now no longer allowed to discuss issues like the murder of gays in Iran, or the murder of women for so called "adultery" in Saudi Arabia because it is considered defamation of religion (Islam).

Am I racist for saying that it is a disgusting violation of human rights that Islam (in the hadith) demands the death penalty as punishment for any person leaving the religion? Or am I standing up to murderous thugs who have to threaten violence because they have no other way to counter criticism?

Ideas do not have rights, only people have rights.

By Franchesca | March 4, 2009 11:14 PM

Oh yeah, Netherlands shouldn't join the meeting because they have so many racism related issues in their country. They will face storm of criticism and skepticism if they attended the meeting. They created apartheid, the idea of racism is deeply rooted in Dutch society. Dutch people can't have relationship with others on equal level, it's always above or below. Unless Dutch is positioned in above, they will simply not deal with it. Self righteous and extremely arrogant nation.

Actually, entire Europe has this attitude. In the Netherlands, it's even more extreme.

By Ken | April 4, 2009 11:24 AM