New York, October 18, 2017.Cuba, whose people have suffered an economic, commercial and financial blockade for more than 55 years, is well aware of the damages caused by unilateral coercive measures.Those were the opening words of Cuban Representative to the United Nations, Counselor Alejandro Castillo Santana , during his statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur of the Human Rights Council on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights, of the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. The Cuban diplomat also expressed the Cuban opposition to all unilateral coercive measures, including those used as a tool for political and economic pressure against any country, particularly against developing countries.
He reaffirmed that unilateral coercive measures are contrary to international law, to international humanitarian law, to the Charter of the United Nations, and to the norms and principles governing peaceful relations among States; and also hinder economic and social development and create impediments to the full enjoyment of human rights.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations