UNCLAS BOGOTA 008702

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC PREL PHUM CO
SUBJECT: COLOMBIA'S CANDIDATE FOR THE COMMITTEE ON THE
ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION



1. Post received on September 12 dip note DPM/CAI No. 49215
dated September 6 requesting U.S. support for Pastor Elias
Murillo Martinez's candidacy for the Committee on the
Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) as well as
Murillo's CV (dip note and CV faxed to WHA/AND). Elections
will be held January 14, 2006 in New York.


2. The dipnote stresses the importance the GOC places on
CERD's work to eliminate racial discrimination and notes that
Colombia has the third largest population of people of
African descent outside of Africa. The dipnote emphasizes
Murillo's experience as a human rights lawyer, as well as his
work as a distinguished member of the Comunidad Colombiana de
Afrodescendientes. Murillo currently works for the MFA as an
advisor in the Multilateral Environment, Social and Economic
Affairs Division. He is responsible for indigenous
communities and the Afro-Colombian and Roma populations, as
well as issues related to women, children, migrants and
trafficking victims. He has written extensively on
Afro-Colombian issues and is familiar with the workings of
international human rights organizations.


3. Post notes that the GOC has supported U.S. candidacies
for international boards and commissions.

DRUCKER