BELGIUM'S PERSPECTIVE ON THE 12TH SESSION OF THE

C O N F I D E N T I A L BRUSSELS 001469 C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (ADDED TEXT) SIPDIS STATE PASS EUR/WE, IO/RHS, DRL/MLGA, USUN-W FOR JENNIFER SIMON, MISSION GENEVA FOR MARK CASSAYRE, ANNA CHAMBERS, MELANIE KHANNA AND ANNA MANSFIELD, USUN/NEW YORK FOR CRAIG KUEHL, JOHN SAMMIS AND LAURIE PHIPPS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/20/2019 TAGS: PREL PHUM UN PINR BE SUBJECT: BELGIUM'S PERSPECTIVE ON THE 12TH SESSION OF THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL REF: BRUSSELS 1235 Classified By: RICHARD EASON FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D) ¶1. (C) Summary: The Belgian MFA Human Rights Department coordinator, Lieke Biesemans, requested earlier consultation on resolutions similar to the one brought by the U.S. on Freedom of Expression in the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) 12th Session in the future. She said Belgium was concerned about the "traditional values" resolution. She gave four reasons for Belgium's abstention on the Goldstone report vote. She made it clear that Belgium would not welcome Iran on the HRC and strongly supported the country resolution on Iran. She urged caution on next year's review of the administration of the Council, as she fears that any changes will likely be for the worse. End Summary. Introduction -------------- ¶2. (C) Poloff and Polintern met with Lieke Biesemans, Human Rights Attach and section coordinator for the Belgian MFA, on October 20 to discuss the 12th Session of the HRC covering freedom of expression, traditional values, and the Goldstone Report. Biesemans also offered Belgium's views on Iran as well as the upcoming review of the HRC itself. Freedom of Expression Resolution -------------- ¶3. (C) Concerning the U.S.-Egypt sponsored resolution on freedom of expression, Biesemans reiterated Belgium's initial opposition to the draft resolution based on linguistic redlines. She said Belgium believes the concept of human rights applies to protection of individuals, not groups of people, as the first draft of the resolution implied. Biesemans noted that Belgium's future interpretations of human rights will continue to reflect the view that the HRC has the responsibility to protect individuals first and foremost. In addition, Biesemans asked that Belgium be notified of any similar resolutions, especially during the UN 3rd Committee this year. Traditional Values Resolution -------------- ¶4. (C) Biesemans expressed frustrations with the Russian "traditional values" resolution because of its potential to �00A;dilute the universality of human rights. Although the text itself was not highly controversial, she said the ambiguity of the resolution was unacceptable to both Belgium and the EU. Biesemans commended the teamwork and cooperation between the United States and Belgium on this issue, despite the outcome. Biesemans said Belgium contributed, albeit reluctantly, to early drafts of the resolution. The Belgians were surprised that the Russians accepted their proposed amendments. However, at the last minute, due to a significant change in the title of the resolution, Belgium was no longer able to support the resolution and voted against it. Goldstone Report and Resolution -------------- ¶5. (C) On resolution (A/HRC/S-12/L.1) endorsing the recommendations in the Goldstone Report, Biesemans said Belgium abstained for four reasons: 1. Belgium supported the Human Rights Council's authority to establish and send a fact-finding mission with a credible team; 2. Belgium considered Goldstone a serious reporter operating under a fair mandate; 3. Belgium viewed the HRC resolution as a non-issue because it believed the report would go before the General Assembly regardless; and, 4. Belgium agreed with the recommendation in the report that advised both sides to conduct their own investigations of human rights violations. Biesemans concluded that it was "intellectually logical" for Belgium to abstain, but at the same time admitted the report could have presented a more accurate and balanced picture. Iran's Candidacy for Membership on Human Rights Council -------------- -------------- ¶6. (C) Biesemans mentioned Belgium's concern about Iran's candidacy for membership on the HRC, due to its history of civil rights violations. She also noted that Qatar is considering running against Iran. Biesemans wanted to know what the current U.S. position is on this issue, knowing that Iran may be the regional favorite. Belgium remains very concerned that an Iranian seat on the Human Rights Council would further diminish the credibility and legitimacy of the HRC. ¶7. (C) Biesemans said Canada's country resolution against Iran was a high priority for Belgium. She suggested that strengthening the language of the resolution would be the best way to exert international pressure on Iran. Iran claims a specific country resolution is unnecessary because of its upcoming Universal Periodic Review in 2010. Biesemans rejected Iran's argument and insisted on mandate to review Iran's Human Rights Performance. Upcoming Review of the Human Rights Council -------------- ¶8. (C) Biesemans urged caution over the HRC review in 2010, stating that there is much to lose and little to gain. She said that this was principally due to the strong numerical voting advantage that non-likeminded countries enjoy in the HRC. GUTMAN