Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06NAIROBI819
2006-02-23 12:43:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Nairobi
Cable title:  

LETTER FROM PRESIDENT KIBAKI TO FORMER PRESIDENT

Tags:  AORC OPDC PREL KE UNHRC 
pdf how-to read a cable
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS NAIROBI 000819 

SIPDIS

FOR AF/E SUSIE PRATT AND IO SASHA MEHRA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC OPDC PREL KE UNHRC
SUBJECT: LETTER FROM PRESIDENT KIBAKI TO FORMER PRESIDENT
CARTER: THOUGHTS ON THE PROPOSED U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

UNCLAS NAIROBI 000819

SIPDIS

FOR AF/E SUSIE PRATT AND IO SASHA MEHRA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC OPDC PREL KE UNHRC
SUBJECT: LETTER FROM PRESIDENT KIBAKI TO FORMER PRESIDENT
CARTER: THOUGHTS ON THE PROPOSED U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL


1. (U) On February 21, Post received a faxed copy of a
diplomatic note transmitting the following letter from His
Excellency President Mwai Kibaki of the Republic of Kenya to
former President Jimmy Carter via the Kenyan Ministry of
Foreign Affairs. In the letter, Kibaki spells out Kenya's
current position on discussions related to the proposed
United Nations Human Rights Council. Post received the
original letter February 23 and has pouched to AF/E under
registration number 530B256 for onward transmission to former
President Jimmy Carter.


2. (U) Begin text of letter:

16 February, 2006

Excellency,

Thank you for your letter regarding ongoing negotiations on
the establishment of the proposed United Nations Human Rights
Council.

During my intervention in the United Nations General
Assembly, last September, I had the opportunity to welcome
the reforms proposed by the United Nations Secretary General,
H.E. Mr. Kofi Annan and subsequently endorsed by the Summit
in September, 2005. The establishment of a Human Rights
Council, to replace the current Commission for Human Rights
is an important and timely move. It is our common
expectation that this Council will create a stronger,
efficient, less politicized organization, that will respond
quickly and fairly in protection of human rights globally.

In being more specific to the concerns raised in your letter,
I want to assure you that Kenya fully supports a system of
universal peer review, that applies equally to all states and
which is based on a cooperative mechanism. Kenya has made
tremendous progress on human rights reforms since my
Government came into office in December, 202. We would,
therefore, have no difficulties with a review system that
will scrutinize members' human rights records. Within our
own setting, the NEPAD Peer Review Mechanism has frequent and
productive interaction with my government. Kenya is,
therefore, supportive of the view that members of the
proposed Council should set an example by demonstrating
commitment to abide by human rights standards.

Equally, Kenya supports the view that the Council should
quickly address grave violations of human rights and make
recommendations thereon. We are flexible on the issue of
increased frequency of Sessions, provided that the concerns
of developing countries regarding increased costs for
participation are taken into account.

Kenya will continue to push for the election of members by a
simple majority vote of the General Assembly. This position
is similar to that taken by the Africa Group and aims to
achieve a more inclusive participation. We also recognize
the important role of Non-Governmental Organizations and
Civil Society in the Human Rights area. We would support the
participation of Civil Society as observers, which is
currently the case under the Commission.

My government is actively engaged in the negotiation process
within the several formats that have emerged in the United
Nations. I, therefore, look forward to robust and
constructive negotiations that will culminate in an
organization that will serve better our ideals of dignity for
all humankind.

Accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest
consideration.

/S/
Mwai Kibaki
President of the Republic of Kenya

H.E. Mr. Jimmy Carter
The Carter Center,
Atlanta,
Georgia

End text of letter.
BELLAMY