Mr. President,
Cuba reaffirms its support to the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights.
Access to culture is a human right. Without culture, no freedom is possible.
The protection of cultural diversity is essential to ensuring full respect for human rights. Cultural diversity does not weaken universal values; on the contrary, it is their main source of richness and strength.
Culture builds bridges and reaches beyond borders; it promotes dialogue between peoples.
We oppose the attempts to impose a single global cultural model that disregards national cultures, identities, history, and individuality.
Only culture, together with education, can foster the exercise of critical thinking, which is the sole effective antidote to cultural colonisation.
Digitisation offers opportunities to preserve, document and share the cultural heritage of peoples. However, such a process will be difficult to achieve without broad access to general education, and information and communication technologies.
Progress is being made in digitising Cuba's cultural heritage, including the restoration of archives and musical scores, as well as the creation of interest clubs for teenagers and young youngsters.
At the Council's current session, the Cuban delegation will introduce the draft resolution 'Promotion of the enjoyment of cultural rights for all and respect for cultural diversity.' We thank you in advance for your valuable support for this initiative.
Thank you.