Mr. President,
Cuba maintains a principled position of opposition to resolutions, mandates, and punitive mechanisms that do not have the consent of the concerned States, as is the case with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
The principles enshrined in the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States, must be upheld in all circumstances.
There is ample evidence that intrusive mechanisms are ineffective and do not contribute to the advancement of human rights. They are only effective in draining significant resources from this body, without producing concrete results.
This could not be otherwise, as such mechanisms close the door to respectful dialogue and genuine cooperation, based on impartiality and objectivity, which have proven to be the only effective way to promote human rights.
It is time for the Council to set aside outdated punitive and selective practices against countries of the Global South.
Last year, the DPRK participated constructively in its Universal Periodic Review (UPR), demonstrating its political will to address national human rights challenges through cooperation with universal mechanisms.
The Council should support the DPRK in the implementation of the 132 recommendations accepted in its UPR, rather than continuing to prioritise confrontation and antagonism.
Cuba rejects and calls for the elimination of unilateral coercive measures against the DPRK, which violate the rights of its people and hinder its right to development.
Thank you very much.