Statement by Cuba on behalf of a group of countries in the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on International Solidarity at the 56th Session of Human Rights Council, delivered by Ambassador Juan Antonio Quintanilla Román.
The List of States Allegedly Sponsoring Terrorism goes against the fundamental principles and peremptory norms of international law, including international solidarity. The process through which the designation is made is unclear and non-transparent.
Statement by Juan Antonio Quintanilla Román, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Cuba in Geneva, as part of the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on human rights and international solidarity.
Mr President, we extend a warm welcome to the Special Rapporteur,
We warmly welcome the Special Rapporteur and take due note of her report, including her conclusions and recommendations.
We reiterate Cuba's commitment to her mandate and to the process of drafting and adopting a United Nations declaration on the right to international solidarity. We thank the rapporteur for her efforts in this regard.
The Cuban delegation participates in the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. 56th session of the Human Rights Council.
Mr President,
We welcome the rapporteur and take note of her report.
In Cuba, the constitutional right of individuals to freedom of thought, conscience and expression, the rights of assembly, demonstration and association, and freedom of the press for lawful and peaceful purposes are recognised, respected and guaranteed.
In June 2023, Cuba's new "Social Communication Law" was approved. It is an integral part of the country's legislative reform and represents a first step in the process of regulating and organising the country's social communication system.
The United Nations recognizes Cuba's scientific potential and its efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS, despite the sanctions imposed on the country.
Geneva. May 21, 2024. - UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima visited Cuba from May 6 to 9. During her visit, and in the attached article, the country's progress in HIV prevention and treatment was recognized.
Ms. Byanyima met with Cuban authorities, scientists, journalists and activists, and highlighted the country's pioneering achievements. She praised the production of COVID-19 vaccines, the country's scientific and biotechnological capabilities, and expressed optimism about the possibility of finding a definitive cure for AIDS.
Interview granted by Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, to Ignacio Ramonet, Spanish professor and journalist, at the Palace of the Revolution, on May 11
(Shorthand Versions - Presidency of the Republic)
Ignacio Ramonet: President, first of all I would like to thank you very much for your kindness in granting us this interview.
This is going to be an interview of about ten questions that we are going to divide into three blocks: one block devoted to domestic policy, to the domestic situation in Cuba; a second block on the economy, essentially the economy in Cuba, obviously; and a third block on international policy.