UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL/DURBAN REVIEW -- REVIEWING

C O N F I D E N T I A L JAKARTA 000344 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, EAP/RSP, IO/RHS (PATEL AND OSTERMEIER); NSC FOR E.PHU E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/27/2019 TAGS: PREL PHUM ID SUBJECT: UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL/DURBAN REVIEW -- REVIEWING USG POLICY WITH GOI REF: A. STATE 18282 ¶B. JAKARTA 297 Classified By: Pol/C Joseph L. Novak, reasons 1.4(b+d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Per ref a instructions, poloff notified GOI officials that the USG would participate as an observer in the next UN Human Rights Council (HRC) meeting, but would discontinue our involvement in the review of the UN's World Conference on Racism (the Durban Conference). Our contacts were pleased that the USG would reengage with the HRC. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) The United States plans to participate as an observer at the next session of the HRC, Poloff told Cicilia Rusdiharini, Deputy Director for North American Affairs at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DEPLU),on February 27. Using Ref A points, poloff explained that the USG was committed to engagement with multilateral institutions. We remained concerned that the HRC continued to be politicized, particularly re unbalanced criticism of Israel. However, we felt we would be better able to influence the process if we were part of the conversation. ¶3. (C) Rusdiharini said Indonesia welcomed the United States' reengagement with the HRC. The GOI looked forward to discussions with us in that forum. ¶4. (C) Poloff also noted that the U.S. plans to suspend its involvement in the review of the Durban Conference. He thanked Indonesia for productive discussions on the matter in Geneva. However, the draft review document was unworkable for the U.S. Poloff explained that the review process was still pursuing unacceptable objectives such as the "defamation of religion," reparations for slavery, and condemnation of Israel. As a result, the USG had to suspend its involvement. ¶5. (C) Rusdiharini took our points on board regarding the Durban review process. HUME