DUTCH/EU THOUGHTS: 60TH SESSION OF UN CHR

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 THE HAGUE 000544

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/02/2014
TAGS: PHUM PREL CH NL UNHRC
SUBJECT: DUTCH/EU THOUGHTS: 60TH SESSION OF UN CHR

REF: A. SECSTATE 41252

B. SECSTATE 41778

Classified By: PolCouns Mary E. Daly Reasons 1.5 (d)


1. (C) PolOff met with Hans Docter, MFA Commission on Human
Rights (CHR) action officer, to discuss reftel. The Dutch
are fully engaged with their EU partners in advance of the
GoNL return to the CHR this spring. In addition to
resolutions noted reftel, the EU will sponsor resolutions on
Russia and Zimbabwe as well as a resolution on religious
tolerance. The Dutch do not expect a decision on an Iran
resolution until late into CHR. The EU is not expecting the
U.S. to introduce a China resolution. Docter outlined Dutch
and EU thinking on CHR issues, detailed below.

Religious Tolerance
--------------


2. (C) The EU (vice the Netherlands as noted reftel) will
introduce a resolution on religious tolerance. The GoNL is
circulating a draft text among member states currently. The
Dutch MFA agreed to share a draft text with the U.S. in
advance of CHR. The EU plans to keep the resolution general
without references to specific religions. When asked about
anti-Semitism, Docter noted that a one-sentence anti-Semitism
and Islamaphobia reference is currently in the text. He
reports it is either the same or similar to last year's CHR
wording. However, the EU is still considering if such a
reference might be appropriate elsewhere, possibly in a
racism resolution. Docter reinforced that the EU wants to
deal with anti-Semitism, but it is currently unsure of where
to do so.

Country Specific Resolutions
--------------


3. (C) China -- Docter reported that EU members highly doubt
the U.S. will introduce a resolution on China. PolOff asked
if a China resolution would affect the current discussion on
lifting the EU Arms Embargo. Docter stated that the
Netherlands opposes lifting the ban, and would support a
resolution. The Dutch Foreign Minister has stated publicly
that the GoNL, feeling isolated within the EU, will not
oppose an EU decision to lift the embargo. When pressed
Docter stated that an EU resolution could help to bring
additional attention to the human rights situation in China,
and possibly aid in making it more difficult for the EU to
lift the Embargo.


4. (C) Iran -- There is still hope within the EU for a
Canadian-led resolution on Iran. Due to the ongoing
sensitivities in the EU-Iran relationship, the EU has not
come to a formal position. Docter said the Irish-led
discussion in Geneva among EU representatives isn't going
anywhere at present. However, the general atmosphere is more
positive towards supporting and, if necessary, introducing a
resolution, than last year. France and the UK have signaled
they are willing to go forth under certain conditions (which
were not elaborated). The Dutch are supportive. Docter
anticipates a decision on Iran late into CHR.


5. (C) North Korea, Burma and Cuba -- The EU will support
resolutions on North Korea, Burma and Cuba. The Dutch are
anxious to see text on a Cuban resolution, and to have
confirmation on which country will introduce it.


6. (C) Russia/Chechnya -- The EU favored a Chairman's
Statement on Chechnya, but previously decided that if Russia
rejected such, the EU would introduce a resolution. In
recent talks, the Russians declined a Chairman's Statement.
The Irish, to ensure there was no miscommunication, bluntly
asked the Russians if they were rejecting a statement, and
the Russians again confirmed. The EU will therefore table a
resolution.


7. (C) Afghanistan -- The Italians are currently working on
text for a Chairman's Statement on Afghanistan. Docter,
responding to PolOff's concerns on language, stated that the
text, while still under construction, is likely stronger than
the U.S. would like.


8. (C) Zimbabwe -- The EU will introduce a strong resolution
on Zimbabwe. A draft text is already circulating among EU
members.


9. (C) Iraq -- The GoNL does not/not favor a resolution on
Iraq, and there appears to be consensus against such within
the EU.


10. (C) Middle East -- Docter was cognizant of U.S. concerns
for resolutions on the Middle East, but stated that the EU
does not plan to alter its current position on Middle East
resolutions at CHR.


11. (C) Belarus and Turkmenistan -- The GoNL is pleased that
U.S. and EU cooperation on these resolutions continues.

12. (C) Uzbekistan -- Docter said the Swiss are
contemplating addressing the situation in Uzbekistan in
various manners, including a 1503 procedure, Chairman's
Statement (judged unlikely) or resolution. If a resolution
is introduced, the EU will likely support.


13. (C) East Timor -- The Portuguese are busy working with
Dili on an Article 19 Chairman's Statement. The GoNL is not
certain of the necessity of such, but the EU will support.


14. (C) Sudan -- The GoNL is working with the Sudanese on a
Article 19 Chairman's statement. However, if unable to reach
consensus, the Dutch and EU will consider a resolution. If a
resolution is deemed appropriate by the EU, the Dutch will
not/not draft. (Note: At the 59th CHR, the Dutch
confidentially drafted the Sudan resolution for the Greek

SIPDIS
Presidency.)

Others
--------------


15. Rights of the Child -- Docter said the EU disagrees with
U.S. ideas of possibly splitting a resolution on this issue,
nor does the EU want to run a resolution on a specific issue
related to children's rights each year. It prefers an
omnibus resolution. On the subject of the juvenile death
penalty, Docter noted that the EU believed references to this
subject were agreed upon previously with the U.S. and would
not be problematic with EU members.


16. Norms on HR responsibilities of transnational
corporations -- The EU agrees that the CHR is not/not the
place to discuss this issue as presented by the
Sub-Commission. "It is too early" Docter noted. However, he
did leave the door open for the possibility of a conversation
on this issue in future years.

Engagement with EU
--------------


17. Docter discussed the mutual benefits to the US-EU CHR
dialogue that have evolved in the past two years. The EU is
pleased with progress to date. Docter highlighted the
importance of former PDAS Southwick's various visits to
Europe, complimenting Southwick's ability to listen and
understand EU concerns while nevertheless working towards
finding pragmatic solutions on the contentious issues between
the U.S. and EU. The GoNL and the EU want to see such
engagement continue on a frequent basis to ensure that the
CHR can become a more effective UN institution.
SOBEL