DEMARCHE DELIVERED: HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

C O N F I D E N T I A L ISLAMABAD 011267 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/14/2016 TAGS: PK PREL UN PHUM SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED: HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL REF: A. STATE 94561 ¶B. ISLAMABAD 10740 Classified By: DCM Peter W. Bodde, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) On June 14, POLOFF delivered Ref A points on the Human Rights Council (HRC) to MFA (UN) Director Shafqat Ali Khan. Khan responded by saying that the Government of Pakistan (GOP) also wants the HRC to get off to a strong start. To that end, the GOP agrees that this initial session of the HRC should focus on procedural, not substantive, issues. Khan agreed that the proposal to form a limited number of working groups under the HRC to grapple with complex procedural question a novel and interesting approach; he said that the suggestion regarding special rapporteurs continuing their work over the course of the coming year is a novel proposal that the GOP would give serious consideration. As to the prospect of the HRC considering the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Khan assured POLOFF that the GOP agrees with the U.S./Australian position, as presented to MFA Director General Tasneem Aslam on June 6 (Ref B). The GOP is carefully studying the materials on the Declaration and has instructed its delegation in Geneva to be alert to any effort to bring this text forward. ¶2. (C) With regard to the U.S. request that OIC members exercise moderation and restraint with regard to sensitive issues, surrounding Israel, Palestine and the occupied territories, Khan replied that the GOP understands the USG point of view, but that domestic opinion in OIC member states is so strong that some members may feel forced to raise the issue at the HRC. For Pakistan's part, the government cannot afford to been seen obstructing the efforts of other OIC members who wish to advance these issues. As the OIC Chair in Geneva, the GOP must maintain a balance between its national interest and consensus among OIC member states. The GOP will try to play a constructive role, Khan said, but is making no promises in advance of the HRC session. CROCKER