Geneva, November 14, 2023. In a few hours, Cuba will submit for the fourth time to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
The Cuban delegation will be chaired by Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who will be accompanied by representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic, the Supreme People's Court, the Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Education and National Union of Lawyers.
This presentation will constitute an invaluable opportunity to show Member States, civil society and various interested stakeholders the progress made by Cuba in the promotion and protection of human rights over the last 5 years, despite the economic conditions difficult as the country suffers the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the intensification, to unprecedented levels, of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States government.
Cuba arrives at the UPR after several months of intense preparation of its national report and after having developed an extensive process of multisectoral consultations involving state and governmental institutions, the National Assembly of Popular Power and various actors of civil society.
The Island has a strong record and palpable achievements in the field of human rights, recognized by our people and by different nations of the world, who have witnessed our solidarity.
Our country reiterates its position on the importance of valuing constructive and respectful dialogue rather than punitive mechanisms, and of acting in accordance with the principles of universality, objectivity, impartiality and non-selectivity, which constitute the cornerstone cornerstone of international cooperation in human rights matters.
Permanent Mission of Cuba in Geneva.