Mr. President,
Cuba considers the work of human rights defenders not only important but indispensable. We have many in our country, who actively participate in the design, implementation, and assessment of policies and programs with significant social impact.
Last year, 75 outstanding human rights leaders were recognised by Cuban civil society, with the support of the United Nations system.
Unfortunately, some seek to portray proven mercenaries as human rights defenders. Those who break the law and act in the service of foreign powers -which hire them to advance their regime-change agendas and undermine the constitutional order freely chosen by citizens- do not deserve such a noble designation. Such conduct is neither permissible in Cuba nor in any other State governed by the Rule of Law.
The noble cause of human rights cannot be manipulated to serve twisted political interests.
Recently, irrefutable new evidence has come to light regarding the hundreds of millions of dollars invested by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to subvert the constitutional order in Cuba and other countries, using the protection of human rights and the promotion of democracy as a cover. This is how many of those who view the suffering of the Cuban people as a profitable business have enriched themselves.
The true defenders of human rights, who deserve protection and recognition worldwide, will always have our support.
Thank you.