Mr. President,
Cuba reaffirms its commitment to dialogue and cooperation with universal and non-discriminatory international human rights mechanisms, based on mutual respect and non-interference.
We support the important work of mandate holders established under resolutions that contribute positively to the promotion and protection of human rights. At the same time, we express concern regarding the biased and unprofessional conduct of some mandate holders—fortunately a minority—who act in a manner inconsistent with the Code of Conduct.
Several of these mandate holders are repeat offenders in issuing selective and biased statements, as well as value judgments detached from reality.
This is contrary to the respectful and constructive dialogue, genuine cooperation, and objective approach that must always prevail in the treatment of human rights.
It is equally unacceptable to use social media to issue subjective and interventionist views without verifying sources of information or seeking the opinion of the State concerned. Such practices undermine the credibility of the international human rights system.
The United Nations human rights machinery cannot be used for political purposes against sovereign States.
Mr. President,
In a context of financial constraints, it is important that the Office ensures equal support to all Special Procedures, prioritizing technical cooperation in consultation with and with the consent of the States concerned.
We reject manifestations of harassment, psychological, physical or verbal aggression, as well as the imposition of sanctions against mandate holders for the legitimate exercise of their functions. In particular, we express solidarity with the Special Rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures, Alena Douhan, and the Special Rapporteur on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, who have frequently been victims of these unacceptable practices.
I conclude by reaffirming our commitment to the Social Forum of the Human Rights Council. It is a valuable space for constructive dialogue and the participation of a broad diversity of actors, particularly civil society.
Thank you very much.