Statement by Juan Antonio Quintanilla Román, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Cuba, in explanation of vote on draft resolution A/HRC/52/L.38 "Promotion and protection of human rights in Nicaragua". 52nd regular session of the Human Rights Council.
Mr. President,
It is regrettable that the Human Rights Council continues to legitimize punitive draft resolutions against those States that do not bow to the interests of the developed powers.
It is also regrettable that, in addressing human rights in Nicaragua, no mention is made of the destabilizing attempts by certain States against the sovereignty and self-determination of the Nicaraguan people, in open violation of the UN Charter and international law.
These States intend to isolate Nicaragua politically and economically, with the objective of causing social instability in the country, which will allow them to carry out their long-desired operation of subversion and regime change.
This mode of action is nothing new, but has been used openly and systematically against my country and others in the region that have chosen a progressive and socially just path.
It is really worrying that the draft resolution makes no mention of the impact of the unjust unilateral coercive measures applied against this country on the enjoyment of the human rights of the Nicaraguan people; and at the same time, it pretends to ignore the important achievements that the government has attained in terms of economic, social and cultural rights.
Mr. President,
Cuba ratifies its unrestricted support to the government and people of Nicaragua, in its firm decision to preserve peace and the social, economic, security and national unity advances achieved.
We reject the policy of interference and interventionism promoted against Nicaraguan sovereignty, self-determination and constitutional order.
Cuba rejects draft resolution L.38, and therefore requests a recorded vote and will vote against it.
Thank you very much.