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