United Nations Passes Resolution 3379 Equating Zionism With Racism

UN Resolution 3379 On Zionism And Racism

On November 10, 1975, the United Nations General Assembly adopted **Resolution 3379**, titled "Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination." The resolution declared that "**Zionism is a form of racism and racial discrimination**." The vote was 72 in favor, 35 against, and 32 abstentions.

The resolution was introduced in the context of heightened Middle East tensions following the **Yom Kippur War of 1973** and lobbying by the **Organization of Arab States**, the **Non-Aligned Movement**, and the **Soviet bloc**. Countries voting in favor included the Soviet Union, many African and Arab states, and some Asian countries. Countries opposing included the United States, Canada, and most Western European nations.

The resolution condemned Zionism as a form of racial discrimination, linking it to colonial and discriminatory policies in the Middle East. Israel rejected the resolution and called it **politically motivated**. The resolution remained in effect for 16 years.

On **December 16, 1991**, the UN General Assembly adopted **Resolution 46/86**, which revoked Resolution 3379. The revocation occurred in the context of **changing international relations after the end of the Cold War**, peace negotiations between Israel and Arab countries, and efforts to reduce tensions in the United Nations.

Resolution 3379 remains a significant historical example of the politicization of international forums and the influence of global blocs on UN policy decisions. It sparked extensive debate on the definition of racism, the role of Zionism, and the use of UN resolutions to advance political objectives.