DANES AGREE TO LEAN AGENDA FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

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