Mr. President,
Cuba has the honour to present, on behalf of the __ co-sponsoring States, draft resolution L.12 on the “Promotion of the Enjoyment of Cultural Rights for All and Respect for Cultural Diversity.”
As emphasized in the draft, cultural rights are an integral part of human rights, and States have the responsibility to promote, protect, and ensure these rights for all without discrimination.
National and international actions aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue contribute to peace, social stability, and respect for diversity, and create an environment conducive to mutual understanding despite inevitable differences.
Respect for cultural diversity is essential to ensuring the protection of cultural rights. Cultural diversity does not weaken universal values; on the contrary, it is their main source of richness and strength. Culture builds bridges and transcends borders; it promotes dialogue among peoples.
Draft L.12 includes updated language that strengthens the comprehensive treatment of cultural rights from an inclusive, equitable, and diversity-respecting perspective.
This includes recognition of the contribution of the cultural rights of indigenous peoples to the respect for cultural diversity of all peoples and nations.
This year, the draft also incorporates references to the enjoyment of cultural rights by persons with disabilities, recognizing their right to participate in cultural life on an equal basis, as well as the importance of supporting and giving visibility to their cultural and linguistic identities.
We thank States and civil society organizations that participated actively and constructively in the consultations and contributed to this text with valuable proposals.
On behalf of the co-sponsors, Cuba requests the support of the members of the Council for draft resolution L.12, and we hope it can be adopted by consensus.
Thank you.