DEMARCHE ON COMMISSION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

UNCLAS MASERU 000160 SIPDIS SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED DEPT FOR AF/S E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM LT UNHCR SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON COMMISSION OF HUMAN RIGHTS REF: (A) STATE 45975 (B) STATE 52970 Ambassador raised UNCHR reform points (Ref A) on March 23 with Lesotho's Minister of Foreign Affairs (FOMIN),Monyane Moleleki. Specific references were made to the proposed role of the Secretary-General, the necessity to ensure countries with poor SIPDIS human rights records not be permitted entry and elimination of Third Committee. The FOMIN thought that the CHR forum was one venue where opposition to human rights could be strongly expressed. In reviewing the impact of regional groups, Ambassador emphasized the importance of adherence to human rights standards by each member. The Minister agreed but suggested large countries (like the U.S.) had much more influence and that smaller members states' views might not be effective. We countered that every vote counts and no matter the size, each country should press the reform issues within its regional group. The GOL accepted the principle of reform and the FOMIN reiterated his country's support for human rights. PERRY