Mr. President,
We appreciate the leadership of Uganda, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, in coordinating and presenting this important draft resolution.
This inclusive text constitutes a further effort on the path towards the operationalisation of the right to development in international law. For most countries of the South this right remains a distant aspiration.
Development is not only a measurable goal, but an inalienable human right and an integral part of fundamental human rights.
The realisation of the right to development is essential for the enjoyment of all other human rights.
To deny this reality would be contrary to the principles of universality, interdependence and complementarity, which should characterise the treatment of human rights.
The right to development is incompatible with the imposition of unilateral coercive measures against nations of the South, as in the case of the criminal and illegal economic blockade imposed by the United States against the Cuban people.
Indifference and selfishness cannot dictate the course of global development; we will not give up on a more just, inclusive and sustainable future for all.
Cuba reiterates its firm support for the adoption without further delay by the United Nations General Assembly of the International Covenant on the Right to Development, as recommended since 2023 by this Council.
For the foregoing reasons, Cuba calls on all member States of the Council to support and vote in favor of draft resolution L.5.
Thank you very much.