US embassy cable - 05BOGOTA8702

UNCLAS BOGOTA 008702 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AORC, PREL, PHUM, CO 
SUBJECT: COLOMBIA'S CANDIDATE FOR THE COMMITTEE ON THE 
ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION 
 
 
1.  Post received on September 12 dip note DPM/CAI No. 49215 
dated September 6 requesting U.S. support for Pastor Elias 
Murillo Martinez's candidacy for the Committee on the 
Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) as well as 
Murillo's CV (dip note and CV faxed to WHA/AND).  Elections 
will be held January 14, 2006 in New York. 
 
2.  The dipnote stresses the importance the GOC places on 
CERD's work to eliminate racial discrimination and notes that 
Colombia has the third largest population of people of 
African descent outside of Africa.  The dipnote emphasizes 
Murillo's experience as a human rights lawyer, as well as his 
work as a distinguished member of the Comunidad Colombiana de 
Afrodescendientes.  Murillo currently works for the MFA as an 
advisor in the Multilateral Environment, Social and Economic 
Affairs Division.  He is responsible for indigenous 
communities and the Afro-Colombian and Roma populations, as 
well as issues related to women, children, migrants and 
trafficking victims.  He has written extensively on 
Afro-Colombian issues and is familiar with the workings of 
international human rights organizations. 
 
3.  Post notes that the GOC has supported U.S. candidacies 
for international boards and commissions. 
 
DRUCKER