JOINT STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF FRIENDS IN DEFENSE OF THE CHARTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS, DURING THE 59th SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL.

Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, China, Cuba, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Mali, Nicaragua, the State of Palestine, the Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Uganda, Venezuela and Zimbabwe

Mr. President:

1. Venezuela has the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations.
2. International cooperation and solidarity are a fundamental component of efforts to realize the right to health in all countries.
3. In this context, we denounce the dishonest campaign unleashed by the United States government to discredit Cuban international medical cooperation and to exert pressure on recipient governments, mostly developing countries.
4. Access to health is a human right and millions of people cannot be deprived of this inalienable right for political reasons.
5. This mendacious campaign, which is an extension of the aggression and hostility against Cuba, is an attack on multilateralism, international cooperation, including South-South cooperation, and the realization of human rights.
6. In the last 60 years, more than 605,000 Cuban health professionals have worked in 165 nations.
7. Cuba has provided free medical training to 43,000 health professionals from 120 nations and has contributed to the creation of medical faculties in different countries, mainly the neediest in the South.
8. Our Group expresses its deep appreciation, gratitude and recognition to the Cuban health professionals who have provided high quality health care to millions of people in the world.
9. Cuban medical cooperation will continue to be a symbol of hope, dedication, humanity and solidarity.

I thank you.