US Department of State’s Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism
How a society treats its Jewish population affects virtually everything in the society.
The US Government launched the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism in Buenos Aires in July 2024. This is an international framework endorsed by several countries, and international entities to isolate and tackle Antisemitism as a distinct form of discrimination[1].
In reality, this framework sets the parameters and precedents for the handling of Jew-hatred, and by extension, other forms of discrimination against minorities and underrepresented groups.
It must be recalled that the Holocaust was an unparalleled mass crime situation in history. It all happened because of the absence of an international framework to protect the Jewish people. For centuries, Jews moved from country to country, with no international protections.
In the centuries Jews have faced persecution and discrimination around the world, and countless minority groups have faced similar and worse fates albeit in limited forms. However, when put together, there is an enormous number of people throughout history who were discriminated against, tortured, and decimated in extreme numbers. All this happened because the floodgates to minority protection were left open when Jews were otherized and discriminated against.
The American-led Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism is a bold legal framework that seeks to block the risk of discrimination against Jews and by extension, other minorities in different parts of the world.
The Global Guidelines urge (1) international bodies, and (2) civil societies to embrace practices and standards that (a) flag, and (b) condemn/limit Antisemitism whenever it happens within their sphere of influence.
It requires governments to speak out against Antisemitism whenever it happens.
Also, Antisemitism is to be seen not as a matter of interest to one or a few groups in a country. Rather, the Guidelines require the avoidance of politicization of Antisemitism.
The Guidelines therefore tasked authorities with adopting and implementing measures to protect their Jewish community. This involves consultation with Jewish communities, civil societies, and other relevant stakeholders.
This requires promulgating laws against Antisemitism, forming appropriate agencies, protecting the Jewish people in the realm, enforcing the laws objectively, collecting data, and engaging proactively.
The Guidelines also strengthen international collaboration in fighting Antisemitism in efficient ways.
All in all, the US-led Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism protect Jews around the globe and also set the preamble for the protection of minorities and underrepresented persons. This is a process of enhancing and entrenching the international will to protect minorities as stated elsewhere in international law.
The US House of Representatives passed a bipartisan resolution to back the Guidelines as an antidote to the growing global tide of Antisemitism around the world.[2]. It passed by 388 votes for, and just 21 against.
Several states have already adopted the Global Guidelines and are implementing it in their jurisdiction. This includes Australia, most European states, and Latin American states. As the standards are adopted and streamlined, it is expected that more states will join, and apply the Guidelines.
There are many benefits for states and entities implementing the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism. This includes the protection of the Jewish population who often contribute significantly to the countries they live in or conduct business in. Secondly, the Guidelines create the blueprints for the protection of other minorities. This enhances democracy and the rule of law. Then, it grants a state various reputational benefits in the eyes of external parties including being seen as a truly democratic country. This bestows many benefits for states in the international community.
[1] US Department of State. "Introduction of the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism" Published: July 17, 2024. Available at: https://www.state.gov/introduction-of-the-global-guidelines-for-countering-antisemitism/
[2] US House of Representatives. "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 476" Published: November 20, 2024. Available at: https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2024/roll476.xml
