Mr. President,
Our delegation actively and constructively engaged in the consultations on draft resolution L.27 Rev.1. In a transparent manner, as is characteristic of Cuba, we conveyed our concerns regarding the lack of balance in the text to the main sponsor, as many other delegations also did.
We submitted concrete, balanced, and reasonable proposals to achieve consensus. Regrettably, there was no political will to consider them.
The counterpart never showed a real interest in reaching an agreement.
Amendment L.36, which refers to the necessity of adhering to the Code of Conduct, is both pertinent and necessary.
The draft resolution itself, in operative paragraph 6, introduces procedural considerations regarding the work and reports of the Special Rapporteur.
In order to balance such considerations, we consider it necessary for the draft to address as much the legal framework within which mandate holders should carry out their responsibilities.
The Code of Conduct is the regulation intended to standardise the behaviour and performance of mandate-holders in the fulfilment of their duties, as these experts have different nationalities, political trends, professions, beliefs and personal characteristics.
The Code of Conduct establishes fundamental principles and values that we, as members of this Council, defend, including professionalism, impartiality, transparency, independence, equanimity, integrity, honesty, and constructive, balanced, and good-faith engagement. We all agree that these are the minimum standards of judgement and decency.
It does not apply to one or two experts but to all, without exception or selectivity.
We do not agree with the argument that amendment L.36 is only pertinent to a specific type of resolution. This amendment reflects agreed-upon language that has been used on many occasions, not only in technical resolutions renewing mandates but also in substantive texts such as 55/7 and 57/19.
For the reasons explained, our delegation will vote in favour of amendment L.36 and invites the other Member States of the Council to do the same.
Thank you.