CANADA'S PRIORITIES: 59TH COMMISSION ON HUMAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L OTTAWA 000708 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/14/2013 TAGS: PHUM PREL CA UNHRC SUBJECT: CANADA'S PRIORITIES: 59TH COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS REF: STATE 64728 Classified By: Acting Political Counselor Mary Witt for reasons 1.5(b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Embassy delivered the talking points contained reftel to Adrian Norfolk, Deputy Director for Human Rights in DFAIT's Human Rights, Humanitarian Affairs and International Women's Equality Division, on March 12. Norfolk stated that Canada's overall objective for CHR-59 is restoration of CHR's credibility through the improvement of its efficiency and effectiveness. Canada will pursue this objective by encouraging member states to reduce the number of voted resolutions, reduce the total number of resolutions (including through biennialisation),and review the effectiveness/marginal value of various mechanisms. In sum, Canada wants CHR to return to decision by consensus to the maximum extent possible, Norfolk said. ¶2. (C) With respect to Canada's support for the specific resolutions set out reftel, Norfolk responded as follows: Cuba: Canada will co-sponsor a resolution on human rights in Cuba, provided that the resolution is balanced. Iraq: Canada will support a resolution on Iraq. Middle East: Canada will consider supporting Middle East resolutions only if they are balanced; it will not support unbalanced resolutions. North Korea: Canada will support a resolution if one is introduced. Zimbabwe: Canada will support a resolution. Canada believes that the inability of the CHR to consider the situation in Zimbabwe was another serious blow to the Commission's credibility. Chechnya: Canada will support a resolution, or chairman's statement. Belarus: Canada will co-sponsor a resolution if satisfied with the draft text. Iran: Canada will support a resolution if the EU runs one. Note: I asked Norfolk if Canada is considering introducing an Iran resolution if the EU does not. Norfolk said there have been discussions about this within DFAIT, that MFA Bill Graham has a lot of interest in the situation in Iran, and that a Canada resolution is a possibility. End note. Turkmenistan: Canada will co-sponsor. Sudan: Canada will support a resolution on Sudan. China: No commitment of support was given for a resolution on China, but if the U.S. offers one Canada will strongly oppose a no-action motion. CELLUCCI