UNCLAS COPENHAGEN 000858

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL DA
SUBJECT: DANES AGREE TO LEAN AGENDA FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
COUNCIL OPENING

REF: STATE 094561


1. (SBU) Poloff discussed reftel points June 13 with
Ambassador Tyge Lehmann, MFA Senior Advisor for International
Law and June 16 with Kim Vinthen, Office Director for Human
Rights Policy. Lehmann noted that Denmark fully supports the
U.S. opinion that the inaugural session of the Human Rights
Council (HRC) should be procedural rather than controversial.
Vinthen added that Denmark would like to see three
additional items on future HRC agenda: regular dialogue with
civil society organizations, peer reviews and possible
elaboration of new human rights instruments.


2. (SBU) Vinthen shared that Denmark would like to see the
creation of a legal basis in the HRC to develop new protocol
as they are deemed necessary in the future. Vinthen
mentioned specifically that research is being done on an
economic, social and cultural rights protocol. While the
Danes are not currently in favor of such a new protocol, they
would like to be able to bring it forward if it is deemed
important.


3. (SBU) Regarding the elimination of the Sub-Commission on
Human Rights, Vinthen remarked that Denmark supports the US
initiative. Denmark would, however, like to see the new
advisory body have a broad mandate with ability to research
specific issues at HRC request. Vinthen explained that the
advisory body should be able to perform analysis in areas
such as enhancement of the fight against torture or effective
action in Burma.


4. (SBU) Both Vinthen and Lehmann agree that the HRC should
not take on the debate of the Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples. Lehmann expressed that Denmark would like
to see the debate to be moved to the UN General Assembly
rather than take place in the newly established council. The
Danes believe the declaration should be considered by all
members of the UN.
CAIN