ECOSOC TERMINATES COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS,

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 000625

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM EAID KUNR KPKO ECOSOC
SUBJECT: ECOSOC TERMINATES COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS,
VOTES ON OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES SEGMENT THEME

REF: USUN 547

1.(U) Summary: The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
met March 22 to formally terminate the operations of the UN
Commission on Human Rights, preceded by brief informal
consultations on a range of topics, including the
Peacebuilding Commission. In addition, ECOSOC adopted a
decision on the theme for the ECOSOC Operational Activities
segment by a vote of 51-1(US)-0. End Summary.

CHR Abolition
--------------

2.(U) On March 22, ECOSOC took formal action abolishing the
Commission on Human Rights by June 16 after extensive
discussions on the draft resolution, "Implementation of
General Assembly Resolution 60/251," as called for by
operative paragraph 13 (OP 13) of the March 15 General
Assembly resolution establishing the new Human Rights Council
(60/251). Mexico called for the adoption of and transmission
to ECOSOC of two outstanding mandates -- the Declaration on
the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DRIP) and the Draft
Convention on Forced Disappearances. Pakistan and others
called for a 1-day final session which would be "short and
procedural," and not substantive, to abolish the CHR. Mexico,
supported by Argentina and Brazil, argued for a more
extensive final session of the CHR, pointing out there was no
agreed procedure and agenda for a one-day session. In
addition, since the two issues previously mentioned were
close to adoption, CHR should be given the chance for
submitting them to ECOSOC, as opposed to transferring them to
HRC where they might be subjected to a vote.

3.(U) ECOSOC Pres. Hachani responded that it is not ECOSOC's
responsibility to interpret the substance of 60/251, but to
discharge ECOSOC's duties as set out in OP 13; therefore, it
is necessary to abolish the Commission by June 16 and leave
possible substantive issues for a later date. Pakistan agreed
with this and again suggested a one-day session. A number of
African nations, including Benin, Guinea-Bissau, and Nigeria,
stated they would like the CHR abolished quickly and that
substantive issues such as indigenous peoples should not be
discussed in this forum at the present moment. Responding to
a concern raised by Benin on procedures for handling the
CHR's final report, Hachani said it would be handled like all
other reports, and would be received, considered, and
followed-up on if needed. Hachani and others rejected the
idea raised by Benin that CHR should present a historical
overview of its 60 years of work.

4.(U) Tanzania's representative agreed with Hachani and said
the Commission might need a few days to conclude a final
report. President Hachani reminded the Council a decision was
needed at this session because ECOSOC could not meet March
23, and a decision March 24 would not leave Geneva time to
carry-out ECOSOC's request. The President stated his
preference for Tanzania's suggestion for a few days of "short
and procedural" work for the Commission to conclude its
session and submit a final report, thereby leaving
substantive issues for a later date and time. Hachani
promptly moved to the formal meeting, where the decision to
abolish the CHR was adopted by consensus. (Comment: The two
substantive issues of interest to Latin countries, indigenous
peoples and forced disappearances, still need to be
discussed, either in Geneva or when ECOSOC receives CHR's
report.)

Fifth Meeting of the Organizational Session
--------------

5.(U) The formal meeting, in addition to terminating the
Commission on Human Rights (see above),elected by
acclamation H.E. Mr. Dalius Cekuolis (Lithuania) as
Vice-President of the Council to replace his predecessor who
had departed New York for Vilnius. The meeting then moved to
the Operational Activities Segment for the 2006 summer
session, draft decision E/2006/L.3, which will deal with the
modalities and funding of UN operations. Both the EU and the
G77 stated their support for the G77 draft decision, which
the Council adopted by a 51-1(US)-0 vote. USDel gave an EOV
highlighting that the decision does not "mention or
acknowledge in any way whatsoever the (World) Summit
Outcome," and that ECOSOC has shirked "...its
responsibilities to implement the reform process of the
Summit Outcome."

Peacebuilding Commission
--------------



6.(U) In the informal session, President Hachani raised the
lack of progress on ECOSOC election procedures for the PBC
Organizational Committee (OC) and his intent to move toward a
solution in the following week. (Note: he has scheduled
another formal meeting for March 31.) Several delegations
then shared their views on the need for strong regional
representation in the PBC, notably, Brazil, Mexico and India.
The Indian presentation noted the urgent need to get the PBC
operational quickly, but said that some groups needed to
adjust their policies so that the stand up of the PBC would
not be "grossly unfair." President Hachani noted that he
would be working with PGA Eliasson to develop a solution
quickly.

BOLTON