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