Statement by Ambassador Rodolfo Benítez during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Federated States of Micronesia
Statement by Ambassador Rodolfo Benítez, Permanent Representative of Cuba, during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the Federated States of Mincronesia, at the 51st session of the UPR Working Group of the Human Rights Council.
Statement by Ambassador Rodolfo Benítez Verson, Permanent Representative of Cuba, at the presentation of the book “Economic Sanctions from Havana to Baghdad: Legitimacy, Accountability, and Humanitarian Consequences.”
At the presentation of the book “Economic Sanctions from Havana to Baghdad: Legitimacy, Accountability, and Humanitarian Consequences,” Minister Counsellor Rebeca Hernández emphasized that the legal framework governing the blockade leaves no doubt as to the interventionist, hegemonic, and colonialist ambitions driving the Government of the United States. No country in the world has had to endure a blockade as comprehensive and long-lasting as the one imposed on Cuba. This has caused severe restrictions on access to medical supplies, technologies, industrial equipment, and other goods and services, directly affecting the capacity of the Cuban State to guarantee the basic rights of its population. The book presentation was attended by the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures, Alena Douhan, and the Special Rapporteur on external debt, Attiya Waris.
Statement by Ambassador Rodolfo Benítez Verson at Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
The Cuban delegation conveyed greetings to the participants and recognized Peru’s leadership as outgoing Chair of the Group of 77 and China, highlighting its contribution to the success of the Sixteenth UNCTAD Conference. It welcomed Kenya as the new Chair and reaffirmed the Group’s responsibility to defend, with unity and a single voice, the interests of developing countries. Cuba warned of a complex global context marked by debt, inequality, declining development assistance, and rising military spending. It denounced unilateral coercive measures and actions by the United States against multilateralism and sovereign states. Cuba reaffirmed its sovereignty, expressed gratitude for the solidarity received, and reiterated its commitment to implementing the Geneva Consensus and supporting the work of UNCTAD.
Statement by Ambassador Rodolfo Benítez Verson regarding the adoption of the Human Rights Council´s Three-Year Work Programme
At the organizational meeting of the Human Rights Council, Ambassador Rodolfo Benítez Verson, Permanent Representative of Cuba, called on the Office of the High Commissioner to continue providing comprehensive and systematic information regarding the costs, available financial resources, and human resources associated with the implementation of Council-mandated activities. He added that such information would enable Member States, together with the Office, to develop an effective, transparent, and verifiable methodology that allows for timely and well-informed decisions on mandated activities, particularly in the current context of severe financial difficulties. He reaffirmed that it is always the responsibility of Member States to make decisions regarding Council-mandated activities, including any decisions concerning those that may be affected by the impact of the financial and liquidity crisis.
Statement by Ambassador Rodolfo Benítez Verson on Ecuador’s Candidature to the Bureau of the Human Rights Council
At the organizational meeting of the Human Rights Council, Ambassador Rodolfo Benítez Verson, Permanent Representative of Cuba, called on the Office of the High Commissioner to continue providing comprehensive and systematic information on the costs, available financial resources, and human resources associated with the implementation of Council-mandated activities. He added that such information would enable Member States, together with the Office, to develop an effective, transparent, and verifiable methodology, allowing for timely and well-informed decisions on mandated activities, particularly in the current context of severe financial difficulties. He reaffirmed that it is always the responsibility of Member States to make decisions regarding Council-mandated activities, including any decisions concerning those that may be affected by the impact of the financial and liquidity crisis.