(C) NETHERLANDS: SUPPORTING U.S. FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000243 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/08/2019 TAGS: PHUM PREL NL SUBJECT: (C) NETHERLANDS: SUPPORTING U.S. FOR HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL REF: SECSTATE 31175 Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Michael F. Gallagher for reasons 1.5(b , d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: The Dutch will strongly support the U.S. candidacy for the Human Rights Council (Council or HRC). The Dutch are critical of the HRC and have suggestions to improve it. Jacobi also noted close cooperation on the Durban Review Conference declaration and a possible joint initiative with the United States and Senegal. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) SUPPORT FOR U.S. -- Embassy delivered reftel points to key contacts in the Dutch MFA. Aart Jacobi, Director of the Human Rights Division, stated that FM Verhagen welcomed the U.S. move with a press release and will vote for the United States against all other candidates. Jacobi believes U.S. participation will have "tremendous impact" and that the "balance of influence will change" at the Council. The HRC needs strong advocacy for the "western way." Jacobi noted that Dutch NGOs had urged Verhagen to support an open vote for HRC members, rather than the rotational system for allocating seats to different regions. Verhagen responded that he strongly supported the U.S. candidacy, and while an open vote might be appealing in theory, it would produce worse results in practice. ¶3. (C) IMPROVING THE HRC -- Jacobi said that while the Dutch are committed to the HRC, FM Verhagen has also publicly criticized the Council for its imbalanced approach on country resolutions and criticism of Israel. Jacobi sees opportunities to break the "fragile unity" of several HRC coalitions: Egypt and Africa, Pakistan and Islamic nations, and South America. The United States could be especially effective with South America. Jacobi also noted that while the Dutch won't explicitly condition their aid to HRC votes, they intend to raise HRC issues more prominently with nations receiving Dutch development assistance. Jacobi was also interested to review the mandate for the 2011 review of the HRC. In Jacobi's view, the HRC is too political, just as its predecessor was, but it's uncertain if a complete overhaul is possible or if it would be effective. ¶4. (C) DUTCH-AMERICAN COOPERATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS -- Jacobi summarized the Dutch efforts to find an agreeable text for the Durban Review Conference on Racism, including Dutch efforts to advance edits suggested by the United States. He also noted that FM Verhagen is looking to support a joint human rights initiative with the Secretary. The Dutch will put something "on paper" to pass to Washington, but Jacobi envisions a "side event" during the UNGA meeting in New York this year. Possible subjects include protecting women and children against violence, child labor, and lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender issues. Senegal, a leader in the fight against female genital mutilation, is a third possible partner. ¶5. (C) COMMENT: Poloff encouraged Jacobi and his staff to provide more details on the possible joint initiative. FM Verhagen would be delighted to announce to the press a joint effort during his April 20 meeting with the Secretary. Embassy The Hague suggests that the Secretary could pledge her general support for the idea, with the details to be determined through follow-on staff-level discussions. END COMMENT. GALLAGHER