VZCZCXYZ0019
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUCNDT #0625/01 0881725
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 291725Z MAR 06
FM USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8503
INFO RUEHME/AMEMBASSY MEXICO 0569
RUEHTU/AMEMBASSY TUNIS 0073
RUEHVL/AMEMBASSY VILNIUS 0665
RUEHRO/USMISSION UN ROME
RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 2029

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 000625 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PHUM EAID KUNR KPKO ECOSOC
SUBJECT: ECOSOC TERMINATES COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS, 
VOTES ON OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES SEGMENT THEME 
 
REF: USUN 547 
 
1.(U) Summary: The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) 
met March 22 to formally terminate the operations of the UN 
Commission on Human Rights, preceded by brief informal 
consultations on a range of topics, including the 
Peacebuilding Commission. In addition, ECOSOC adopted a 
decision on the theme for the ECOSOC Operational Activities 
segment by a vote of 51-1(US)-0. End Summary. 
 
CHR Abolition 
------------- 
 
2.(U) On March 22, ECOSOC took formal action abolishing the 
Commission on Human Rights by June 16 after extensive 
discussions on the draft resolution, "Implementation of 
General Assembly Resolution 60/251," as called for by 
operative paragraph 13 (OP 13) of the March 15 General 
Assembly resolution establishing the new Human Rights Council 
(60/251). Mexico called for the adoption of and transmission 
to ECOSOC of two outstanding mandates -- the Declaration on 
the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DRIP) and the Draft 
Convention on Forced Disappearances. Pakistan and others 
called for a 1-day final session which would be "short and 
procedural," and not substantive, to abolish the CHR. Mexico, 
supported by Argentina and Brazil, argued for a more 
extensive final session of the CHR, pointing out there was no 
agreed procedure and agenda for a one-day session. In 
addition, since the two issues previously mentioned were 
close to adoption, CHR should be given the chance for 
submitting them to ECOSOC, as opposed to transferring them to 
HRC where they might be subjected to a vote. 
 
3.(U) ECOSOC Pres. Hachani responded that it is not ECOSOC's 
responsibility to interpret the substance of 60/251, but to 
discharge ECOSOC's duties as set out in OP 13; therefore, it 
is necessary to abolish the Commission by June 16 and leave 
possible substantive issues for a later date. Pakistan agreed 
with this and again suggested a one-day session. A number of 
African nations, including Benin, Guinea-Bissau, and Nigeria, 
stated they would like the CHR abolished quickly and that 
substantive issues such as indigenous peoples should not be 
discussed in this forum at the present moment. Responding to 
a concern raised by Benin on procedures for handling the 
CHR's final report, Hachani said it would be handled like all 
other reports, and would be received, considered, and 
followed-up on if needed. Hachani and others rejected the 
idea raised by Benin that CHR should present a historical 
overview of its 60 years of work. 
 
4.(U) Tanzania's representative agreed with Hachani and said 
the Commission might need a few days to conclude a final 
report. President Hachani reminded the Council a decision was 
needed at this session because ECOSOC could not meet March 
23, and a decision March 24 would not leave Geneva time to 
carry-out ECOSOC's request. The President stated his 
preference for Tanzania's suggestion for a few days of "short 
and procedural" work for the Commission to conclude its 
session and submit a final report, thereby leaving 
substantive issues for a later date and time. Hachani 
promptly moved to the formal meeting, where the decision to 
abolish the CHR was adopted by consensus. (Comment: The two 
substantive issues of interest to Latin countries, indigenous 
peoples and forced disappearances, still need to be 
discussed, either in Geneva or when ECOSOC receives CHR's 
report.) 
 
Fifth Meeting of the Organizational Session 
------------------------------------------- 
 
5.(U) The formal meeting, in addition to terminating the 
Commission on Human Rights (see above), elected by 
acclamation H.E. Mr. Dalius Cekuolis (Lithuania) as 
Vice-President of the Council to replace his predecessor who 
had departed New York for Vilnius. The meeting then moved to 
the Operational Activities Segment for the 2006 summer 
session, draft decision E/2006/L.3, which will deal with the 
modalities and funding of UN operations. Both the EU and the 
G77 stated their support for the G77 draft decision, which 
the Council adopted by a 51-1(US)-0 vote. USDel gave an EOV 
highlighting that the decision does not "mention or 
acknowledge in any way whatsoever the (World) Summit 
Outcome," and that ECOSOC has shirked "...its 
responsibilities to implement the reform process of the 
Summit Outcome." 
 
Peacebuilding Commission 
------------------------ 
 
 
 
6.(U) In the informal session, President Hachani raised the 
lack of progress on ECOSOC election procedures for the PBC 
Organizational Committee (OC) and his intent to move toward a 
solution in the following week. (Note: he has scheduled 
another formal meeting for March 31.)  Several delegations 
then shared their views on the need for strong regional 
representation in the PBC, notably, Brazil, Mexico and India. 
The Indian presentation noted the urgent need to get the PBC 
operational quickly, but said that some groups needed to 
adjust their policies so that the stand up of the PBC would 
not be "grossly unfair." President Hachani noted that he 
would be working with PGA Eliasson to develop a solution 
quickly. 
 
BOLTON