NETHERLANDS/UNGA: DUTCH HUMAN RIGHTS PRIORITIES

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000757

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/11/2018
TAGS: PREL UN PHUM NL
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/UNGA: DUTCH HUMAN RIGHTS PRIORITIES

REF: A. SECSTATE 95334

B. 07 THE HAGUE 1939

Classified By: Political-Economic Counselor Andrew C. Mann for reasons
1.5(b,d)


1. (C) SUMMARY: The Dutch generally support USG priorities
for human rights initiatives at the 2008 UNGA. Dutch
priorities include resolutions on religious intolerance and
violence against women, and an initiative on lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender issues. END SUMMARY.


2. (C) In a September 12 discussion of reftel A points with
Dutch MFA human rights department staff Eran Nagan, Maartje
Peters, and Angele Samura, the Dutch generally shared many
U.S. priorities for human rights discussion at UNGA.
Regarding country resolutions, the Dutch generally oppose "no
action" motions. The Dutch support the EU country
resolutions on Burma and North Korea, and are interested in
staying informed about U.S. plans for possible resolutions on
Belarus, Sudan, and Zimbabwe. If the HRC fails to act on
Sudan, the Dutch may pursue a resolution at UNGA.


3. (C) On thematic resolutions, the Dutch agreed the change
to the mandate for the Special Rapporteur for freedom of
expression and opinion was a "bad result." At the same time,
addressing freedom of expression is a "delicate" issue, and
the Dutch will need to carefully consider any initiative.
For example, the Dutch are concerned about U.S.
interpretations of freedom of expression, which allow, for
example, internet providers to host extreme right-wing
websites. The issue of defamation of religion, however, is a
"red lights on, full alert" issue for the Netherlands. The
primary Dutch concern is avoiding giving rights to a religion
-- rights are reserved for individuals.


4. (C) The Dutch are working on three human rights
initiatives at UNGA. First, they are preparing with Belgium
an EU resolution on violence against women, supporting
programs to combat violence and reduce impunity. Second, the
Dutch are drafting a resolution on religious intolerance --
the latest draft is with the EU presidency. Third, the Dutch
are preparing an initiative on lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender issues. The Dutch are not prepared to share a
draft but indicated they will follow the pattern of Norway's
2006 UNHRC initiative, which the United States supported.
This last EU initiative has the support of Argentina, Brazil,
and Croatia, and possibly Japan and South Korea. The Dutch
are hoping 80 countries will support the measure.


5. (C) More generally, the Dutch asked about U.S. plans to
advance human rights in the "new environment" reflected by
the West's defeats in the HRC. As part of their response,
the Dutch will defend the independence of the High
Commissioner for Human Rights (HCHR) and may also increase
their contribution to the HCHR. The Dutch urge continued
engagement by the United States and inquired whether the USG
would participate in the 2009 Durban Review Conference, or
like Canada, would refuse to attend.
Culbertson