Mr. President,
The treatment of human rights must be based on the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, non-selectivity, constructive dialogue and cooperation. Regrettably, the HRC has been moving in the opposite direction in recent years.
The use of human rights for political pressure has hindered our work and exponentially increased confrontation and interference in internal affairs, to the detriment of respect, dialogue and cooperation.
Mr. President,
Cuba reiterates its commitment to the HRC's Institution-Building package and advocates for its respect and full implementation.
In this regard, Cuba joins the consensus on document A/HRC/OS/18/L.1 on the efficiency of the HRC and acknowledges the work carried out by Indonesia and Switzerland as co-facilitators in this process.
Regarding the review of the status of the HRC, as we clearly and transparently conveyed to our regional co-facilitator, this is a process that pertains to the United Nations General Assembly. Imposing a mandate on the HRC that it does not have means disregarding resolution 65/281 and the delicate consensus reached on the HRC's Institution Building package.
We acknowledge the work of the HRC Bureau throughout the year and reiterate the importance of it acting in accordance with its mandate, focused on organisational and procedural matters. Furthermore, we recognise the professional and collaborative work carried out by the Secretariat.
We commend the distinguished Permanent Representative of Switzerland on his election as President of the HRC and convey our willingness to cooperate for a balanced treatment of all human rights.
Mr. President,
As a member of the HRC, my country will continue to promote respect, cooperation, and a balanced treatment of all human rights, including the right to development. We will also continue to submit our traditional initiatives. We will advocate for an end to politicisation, selectivity, and double standards, which threaten to render the Council ineffective, lacking credibility, and unsuccessful.
Thank you.