VZCZCXYZ0001
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #2051 2740039
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O P 010020Z OCT 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA IMMEDIATE 9438
INFO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 7969

UNCLAS STATE 102051 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PHUM
SUBJECT: INSTRUCTION: HRC RESOLUTION ON TOXIC WASTE 
 
 ¶1. The Department authorizes USDEL to join consensus and 
deliver the explanation of position below on the resolution 
entitled "The adverse effects of the movement and dumping of 
toxic and dangerous products and wastes and the enjoyment of 
human rights," provided that the resolution text does not 
change significantly from the current wording to negatively 
affect vital U.S. interests.  If there is a vote, the USDEL 
is authorized to abstain and deliver the statement below as 
an explanation of vote. 
 
¶2. Explanation of Position: 
 
The United States joined consensus on this resolution as we 
recognize that dumping of toxic wastes can have a negative 
impact on the enjoyment of human rights, including civil, 
political, economic, social, and cultural rights.  We would 
like to offer a point of clarity on the use of the term 
&dangerous products8 throughout the resolution.  This term 
is vague, as any product that is misused may be called 
&dangerous.8  We believe the focus of the resolution is 
more limited than that vague term might suggest, to toxic or 
hazardous waste. 
 
We also note that some of the recommendations in the reports 
of the Special Rapporteur are problematic.  For example, the 
recommendations are quite critical of the International 
Convention For the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling 
of Ships, adopted earlier this year in Hong Kong.  The United 
States believes that Convention will undoubtedly and 
significantly improve the environmental impact from ship 
recycling worldwide.  Indeed, that Convention and the work of 
IMO have already positively impacted ship recycling. 
 
The United States anticipates a lively discussion during the 
panel to be held during the 13th session.  We encourage the 
relevant experts to use established international and 
domestic authorities in this area.  The panel should not 
replicate the role of the Special Rapporteur in proposing 
measures to reduce and eradicate the negative impact on human 
rights resulting from movement and dumping of toxic waste, 
but should be a forum for debate and discussion of challenges 
with the goal of increasing awareness and facilitating the 
work of the Special Rapporteur. 
 
While the United States will not block adoption of this 
resolution, we wish this statement to be reflected in the 
report. 
CLINTON