Madam Chair,
Cuba considers that the revised text before us generally provides a faithful reflection of the discussions held. It appropriately incorporates a number of relevant proposals put forward by Cuba and other delegations during previous rounds of consultations. In our view, the revised text brings us closer to the consensus that is needed.
We view positively that the document reaffirms, unambiguously, that the use of ICTs by States must comply with International Law, the Charter of the United Nations, and all principles and norms of International Humanitarian Law, including the obligation to settle disputes by peaceful means and the prohibition of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State.
That recognition will facilitate progress towards a Convention that addresses in a comprehensive manner issues related to cybersecurity and the use of ICTs, as well as the conduct of States in cyberspace. Cuba supports the adoption of such a necessary legally binding instrument at the earliest possible date.
We also welcome the inclusion in the text of the principle that no provision of International Humanitarian Law can be interpreted as legitimizing acts of aggression, and that the application of IHL does not legitimize or encourage armed conflicts.
We appreciate that the document recognizes that disparities in technological capabilities and cybersecurity resilience exacerbate risks for the civilian population.
Cuba reiterates that unilateral coercive measures directly restrict access to equipment, components, cloud services, submarine cables and digital platforms, all of which are essential to the resilience of civilian ICT infrastructure and to humanitarian protection in armed conflict.
We also highlight the importance of recognizing the prohibition of using ICTs to disseminate information that violates International Humanitarian Law, including information that incites violence, dehumanizes the adversary, or is intended to spread terror among the civilian population, promote war, interventionism and interference against sovereign States.
Thank you.