COLOMBIA TO KEEP OPTIONS OPEN ON HUMAN RIGHTS

C O N F I D E N T I A L BOGOTA 006296

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/29/2015
TAGS: PHUM PREL CO UN
SUBJECT: COLOMBIA TO KEEP OPTIONS OPEN ON HUMAN RIGHTS
COUNCIL

REF: STATE 119812

Classified By: Ambassador William B. Wood for reasons
1.4 (b) & (d)

(C) Ambassador Wood met with Colombian Foreign Minister
Carolina Barco on 6/28 to discuss the UNSYG's proposals to
reform the UN Commission on Human Rights. The Ambassador
made a strong pitch for the U.S. supported Human Rights
Council initiative. Barco said she spoke with the Colombian
Mission to the UN and they agreed to discuss new initiatives,
keep their options open and not close any doors on U.S.
ideas. Barco expressed her hope that any new organization on
human rights be pragmatic and not stigmatize or politicize
the issue but rather promote human rights. She said the GoC
supported another proposal because they wanted to reach a
consensus. If certain "fundamentalist" countries (European)
are on the Council passing judgment on others, Barco worries
that it would be counterproductive. Ambassador urged that
the Colombians not reject the idea of a Council and remain
open to dialogue on this issue. Barco agreed.
WOOD