Mr. President,
Cuba reiterates its support for the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). It is not perfect, but it has proven to be the most effective mechanism available to the Council to contribute to the cause of human rights.
Each country is subject, on an equal footing, to the scrutiny of the others. No one is exempt.
The UPR demonstrates that no nation is free from challenges nor can it claim to be a paradigm. No one has the authority to use human rights as a pretext to stigmatise other States.
The UPR also demonstrates that there cannot be a one-size-fits-all model. It provides a necessary space for States to engage in dialogue, share experiences, and learn from one another.
There is no shortage of those who abuse the UPR, attempting to contaminate it with their disrespectful, interfering, and politically motivated questioning of other states.
They are the same ones who seek to turn this body into a court sitting in judgement against certain countries and insist on imposing punitive and confrontational resolutions that lack the consent of the States concerned.
Unlike the UPR, those punitive and interfering mechanisms have neither contributed nor will they contribute to improving the human rights situation anywhere. They undermine the Council's credibility and are a waste of money.
It is imperative to ensure the necessary resources to support the effective participation of developing countries in the UPR.
Mr. President,
Cuba accepted over 80% of the recommendations received in the fourth cycle of the UPR, a notable achievement considering that the global average of accepted recommendations stands at 76%.
We have designed a national strategy for follow-up and implementation of the accepted recommendations. In this context, we have carried out multiple technical assistance initiatives, including workshops with relevant national entities and consultations with civil society.
We will continue to promote technical cooperation with human rights mechanisms, including the Office of the High Commissioner. We are pleased to show positive experiences of effectively using the Organisation's resources to implement actions with a real impact on the ground.
Cuba will continue making progress in the implementation of the accepted recommendations. In the face of prevailing polarisation and politicisation in the treatment of human rights, we will continue to defend the UPR as a mechanism rooted in respectful interactive dialogue and genuine cooperation.
Thank you.