Mr. President,
Cuba rejects and will continue to oppose interventionist, selective, politicised, and biased draft resolutions, which lack the consent of the State concerned.
It is a position of principle, as we believe that the Charter of the United Nations and International Law must be respected without exception, in all circumstances.
We will always defend the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of States, as well as the right of peoples to self-determination. These are essential principles, particularly for small countries, against hegemony, abuses of power, and injustices.
Nicaragua demonstrated its political will and commitment to dialogue and cooperation. It submitted reports in response to the requests made and participated in good faith in the initial phase of the Universal Periodic Review.
However, it was met only with further hostility and confrontation in response. Under such conditions, no progress is possible.
Cuba urges changes in the current course of action, which is rooted in antagonism. It is essential to open the doors to respectful dialogue and constructive cooperation, guided by objectivity and impartiality and free from interference. Time and again, it has been proven that this is the only effective way to strengthen the protection of human rights in all countries.
Draft resolution L.3 is a reflection of the punitive and confrontational practices that persist in this Council, used as a tool of coercion against certain States, which are always from the South.
Every year, millions of dollars are squandered on ineffective mechanisms like the ones imposed against Nicaragua, which are condemned to failure as they remove any possibility of dialogue and cooperation.
We demand respect for the sovereignty of the sister nation of Nicaragua and the immediate cessation of the arbitrary and illegal unilateral coercive measures imposed on that country. It is inexplicable, though not surprising, that draft resolution L.3 remains completely silent about the harmful impact of such measures on the human rights of the noble Nicaraguan people.
This is further evidence of the selectivity and bias that characterise this draft resolution.
For the reasons outlined, Cuba opposes draft resolution L.3, requests a recorded vote on it, and will vote against it.
Thank you.