POLAND REQUESTS USG SUPPORT FOR UNCHR CANDIDACY

UNCLAS WARSAW 000174 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KUNR ADCO PHUM PL UN SUBJECT: POLAND REQUESTS USG SUPPORT FOR UNCHR CANDIDACY REF: WARSAW 0090 ¶1. The Polish MFA delivered January 30 a diplomatic note containing a message for the Secretary from Foreign Minister Stefan Meller. As anticipated in reftel, the Poles request our support to secure a spot on the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) from 2007-2009. Text at paragraph 2 below. ¶2. Begin Text: Excellency, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of the Republic of Poland has decided to submit the candidacy of Poland for membership of the UN Commission on Human Rights in the years 2007-2009, in the election planned during the organizational session of the Economic and Social Council, to be held in New York in April 2006. Poland considers the Commission on Human Rights to be an exceptionally important organ for the promotion and protection of human rights. As a member of the Commission on Human Rights on several previous occasions, Poland has endeavoured to play an active role in the works of the Commission and its working groups, demonstrating commitment to the idea of universality of human rights as well as dedication to the principles of democracy and rule of law. During recent sessions of the Commission, Poland presented a resolution on the protection of human rights in the context of the HIV/AIDS, and jointly with other states -- a resolution on the role of good governance in the promotion of human rights. Poland attaches great significance to such topics of interest to the Commission as the rights of women and children. Poland is a party to the most important international human rights conventions and as such, recognises the competence of the treaty bodies responsible for the observance of human rights. While noticing the need for reform of the Commission on Human Rights and wishing to be actively involved in the work of the new body, we feel that the achievements of the present Commission should not be questioned. That is why Poland is requesting support for its candidacy in the next election to the Commission on Human Rights. I would be most grateful for the valuable support of your country for the candidacy of Poland for membership of the Commission on Human Rights. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. Stefan Meller ASHE