United Nations, New York, 1 October, 2026.- Cuba’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, denounced before the Third Committee of the General Assembly the serious impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights and called for the preservation of the United Nations human rights system from politicization, selectivity, and double standards.
During the General Debate, the Cuban ambassador spoke on behalf of 16 countries and reaffirmed that the promotion and protection of all human rights must be based on dialogue and cooperation, in accordance with the principles of impartiality, objectivity, transparency, and non-selectivity. He also underscored the importance of respect for sovereignty, equality among States, and non-intervention in their internal affairs, in accordance with the United Nations Charter.
The Cuban diplomat condemned the application of unilateral coercive measures and denounced their impact on access to food, medicines and medical treatment, medical equipment, financial services, education, technologies, and energy sources. In that context, he reiterated his firm condemnation of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba—which has been intensified through an energy siege—due to its consequences for the Cuban people and for their full enjoyment of human rights and their economic and social development.
In light of the complex international situation, Soberón Guzmán expressed deep concern over the plight of the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza, and called for an end to the occupation, the violence, the bloodshed, and the cycle of impunity. He advocated for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, as well as the continuation of UNRWA’s mandate and work, and reiterated support for a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian question, in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions and the two-state solution. He also condemned the attacks carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, 2026, and reaffirmed that dialogue, good neighborly relations, peace, and cooperation must prevail in the region.
Soberón Guzmán also rejected racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance, and defended respect for the rights and dignity of migrants. He reaffirmed the right to development as an inalienable human right and highlighted the impact of external factors—including unilateral coercive measures—on migration flows. In this regard, he advocated for migration policies grounded in solidarity, international cooperation, respect for the sovereignty of States, and international law.
In closing, he reaffirmed that dialogue, cooperation, commitment, and national ownership must prevail in any genuine effort aimed at strengthening human rights. He also reaffirmed the commitment to continue working actively and constructively toward greater effectiveness and credibility of the United Nations human rights system and toward the full implementation of the UN Charter, both in letter and in spirit.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations.