Mr. President,
The report presented as input for this dialogue clearly reflects the intention to promote an increasingly selective and politicized approach against Eritrea. Cuba opposes such an approach.
It is regrettable—especially given the current critical financial situation facing the United Nations—that tens of millions of dollars are allocated to interventionist mechanisms such as the one imposed on Eritrea. These mechanisms cannot yield any results, as they lack the consent of the country concerned.
We reiterate our call to abandon outdated and ineffective punitive practices against countries of the South.
Cuba will continue to oppose any action contrary to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and will always defend respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States.
The only effective way to promote human rights in any countries is through respectful dialogue and constructive cooperation, based on impartiality, without manipulation or double standards.
Instead of punitive mechanisms, what Eritrea urgently needs is the end of unilateral coercive measures imposed on it, to the detriment of the human rights of its people.
Thank you.