CZECHS SHARE U.S. CONCERNS ON UNHRC

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 001049 SIPDIS SIPDIS EUR/NCE FOR ERIC FICHTE E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/27/2016 TAGS: PREL PHUM UNHRC EZ SUBJECT: CZECHS SHARE U.S. CONCERNS ON UNHRC REF: A. STATE 136467 ¶B. PRAGUE 944 Classified By: Political-Economic Counselor Mike Dodman for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Polec Counselor and Poloff met with MFA Human Rights Department Acting Director Martin Boucek on August 28 to discuss U.S. concerns that the UNHRC may be unable to credibly address serious human rights situations around the world, and to deliver Ref A. Boucek said the Czechs share U.S. concerns, especially in light of two recent special sessions called by the Arab Group and the OIC for the political purpose of condemning Israel. The Czechs strongly opposed the resolutions introduced at these sessions (Ref B). When asked about the nature of the problem, Boucek pointed to the structure of the Council, but did not suggest ways to improve the structure. However, he said successful implementation of the Universal Periodic Review will be important because it could have a positive impact on the work of the UNHRC. If not, the Czechs may decide not to campaign for a seat in the next session of the UNHRC. CABANISS