UN BUDGET: FIFTH COMMITTEE APPROVES FUNDING FOR

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 000521 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AORC KUNR UNGA PHUM PREL SUBJECT: UN BUDGET: FIFTH COMMITTEE APPROVES FUNDING FOR HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL REF: SECSTATE 42234 ¶1. The Fifth Committee adopted a decision on March 15 to approve additional financial resources of $4.3 million for the Human Rights Council created by draft resolution A/60/L.48. The decision was adopted without a vote after Ambassador Wolff delivered the U.S. explanation of position (ref) highlighting that U.S. concerns with the draft resolution had led the U.S. to dissociate from the consensus on the budget issue. South Africa (on behalf of the Group of 77 and China) and Cuba were the only two other speakers, both speaking after adoption of the draft decision. The Fifth Committee's adoption of this decision paved the way for Plenary action on A/60/L.48 (reported septel). ¶2. The G77 statement, delivered by South Africa, emphasized the Group's readiness to take action since the issue first came before the Committee and their desire to find consensus solutions. The Group noted that it was pleased with the decision to endorse additional resources and regretted that not all delegations could join the consensus. The Cuban delegate noted his delegation's concern that the additional requirements for the Human Rights Council were funded through the contingency fund, leaving little money left to fund development activities. He noted that he hoped that this lack of resources would not impact any additional requirements to the detriment of developing countries. BOLTON