ROK: UN HRC DRAFT "DEFAMATION" RESOLUTION STILL

C O N F I D E N T I A L SEOUL 000469

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/24/2019
TAGS: PHUM KIRF KS
SUBJECT: ROK: UN HRC DRAFT "DEFAMATION" RESOLUTION STILL
UNDER REVIEW

REF: STATE 27376

Classified By: POL M/C Joseph Y. Yun. Reasons 1.4(b/d)


1. (C) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT)
Human Rights and Social Affairs Division told POLOFF on March
24 that the ROK had not yet decided how it would vote on the
upcoming UN Human Rights Council resolution on "Combating
Defamation of Religions." The draft resolution was still
being reviewed. Per reftel instructions, POLOFF urged that
Korea vote "No" as it had on the 2008 UNGA defamation
resolution. Second Secretary Jung Jin-ho said that he was
familiar with U.S. concerns and expressed appreciation for
the copy of the July 2008 USG response to the Office of the
High Commissioner for Human Rights concerning Combating
Defamation of Religions.
STEPHENS