AFGHANISTAN NOT AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR U.N. HUMAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L KABUL 002689 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/05/2019 TAGS: PHUM PREL UN AF SUBJECT: AFGHANISTAN NOT AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL REF: A. SECSTATE 90247 ¶B. KABUL 2106 Classified By: PolCouns Annie Pforzheimer for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) With the outcome of the 2009 presidential election unresolved and the existence of high-profile human rights issues, Embassy Kabul believes Afghanistan is currently not an ideal candidate for a seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council (ref A). ¶2. (C) It is unclear whether the results of the August 20 elections will be certified by the time the General Assembly convenes in New York later this month. A second round of voting, which would take place in October, may be needed to elect the president. For this reason, we believe it would be very difficult for the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) to put together a successful candidacy at this time. And in the event the GIRoA were to declare its candidacy for the Human Rights Council, the passage of the SPSL (ref B) would likely become a major issue of contention. Certain portions of the law have sparked considerable condemnation from the United States and some members of the international community, and would likely be a cause for some countries to oppose Afghanistan's membership. ¶3. (C) In conclusion, we do not believe that Afghanistan at this time is a suitable candidate for the Human Rights Council, and we recommend that we do not advocate for the GIRoA to run for a spot on the Council. EIKENBERRY