DR'S RESPONSE FOR UN'S UPR OF HUMAN RIGHTS FOR 2009

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 000245 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM DR SUBJECT: DR'S RESPONSE FOR UN'S UPR OF HUMAN RIGHTS FOR 2009 REF: STATE 130829 ¶1. (SBU) In response to Reftel A, Post has contacted several NGOs working in the country to determine if they will be participating in the UN's Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights for 2009. The Dominican Republic will be reviewed during the sixth session in late 2009, and submissions are due before April 13th or 20th, 2009. All NGOs listed below were provided with the anticipated deadlines for submissions, the OHCHR website, and the email for submissions. The list of NGO's and their responses follow: MUDHA - Movimiento de Mujeres Dominico-Haitianas; was not aware of the report or opportunity to provide input, but following the information provided in Reftel A, they plan to participate this year. CRS - Catholic Relief Services; was not aware of the report or opportunity to provide input. They are uncertain as to whether they will provide input this year. SJRM - Servicio Jesuita a Refugiadas y Migrantes; was not aware of the report or opportunity to provide input. They are interested in participating this year. CIPAF - Centro de Investigacion Para la Accion Femenina; was not aware of the report or opportunity to provide input. They are interested in participating this year if time permits. Tu Mujer; was not aware of the Report or opportunity to provide input. They are interested in participating this year. CEDAIL - Centro Dominicano de Asesoria e Investigaciones Legales; was not aware of the report or the opportunity to provide input. They are interested in participating this year. Open Society Justice Initiative; was aware of the report and is determining whether they will be able to submit a report of their own this year. They do plan, regardless, to provide technical support to NGOs who seek their help in submitting reports, and recently sent out information about the report to their network of NGOs. GOUGHNOUR