Mr. President,
We thank the Dominican Republic and the other sponsoring delegations for introducing draft resolution L.38 Rev. 1.
We recognize the relevance of this initiative as part of the efforts to grant more visibility to the impact of climate change on the enjoyment of human rights, including the rights to development and to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
We welcome the fact that the draft resolution gives prominence to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective national capacities. This is a fundamental principle in addressing these issues.
Global warming and sea level rise have a disproportionate impact on landlocked countries, in particular Small Island Developing States.
This is not an abstract threat, but a concrete reality that affects the lives and human rights of millions of people. It exacerbates poverty, food insecurity, water scarcity, forced displacement and biodiversity loss.
We also welcome the fact that this draft recognises the consequences of rising sea levels on the right of peoples to self-determination, the defence of sovereignty and the enjoyment of the maritime rights of States, in accordance with international law.
Our delegation appreciates the inclusive approach of the text, which makes visible the disproportionate impact of this phenomenon on women, girls, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendant communities and other vulnerable groups. Their participation in the design and adoption of mitigation and adaptation policies is indispensable to ensure fair and effective responses.
We reiterate the urgent need for developed countries to meet their commitments on climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building.
Climate justice demands that the countries that have created the problem of climate change, assume their historical responsibility and support the most vulnerable countries in their adaptation and development efforts.
For the above reasons, Cuba supports draft resolution L.38 Rev.1 and hopes that it can be adopted by consensus.
Thank you very much.