Mr. Chairman,
Cuba upholds the principles of mutual respect, truth, justice, universality, impartiality and non-selectivity as the only way to promote and protect human rights.
Higher priority and visibility should be granted to the solution of problems such as extreme poverty, illiteracy, lack of access to basic rights like health care, education and food, among others, which characterize the unjust international economic order.
We reaffirm our commitment to continue promoting international cooperation in the field of human rights.
Mr. Chairman,
The statement delivered by the representative of the United States is an example of the arrogant and confrontational approach that in no way contributes to promoting and protecting human rights. Cuba´s exemplary execution in this field belies any manipulation against my country.
The United States lacks moral to give lessons, and especially in terms of human rights. This country has a pattern of systematic violations of all human rights such as the use of torture, arbitrary detention and deprivation of liberty, as is the case of the Guantanamo Naval Base, the murder of African-Americans by the police, the death of innocent civilians by their troops and the xenophobia and repression of immigrants, including children, and their limited adherence to international human rights instruments.
Mr. Chairman,
Cuba has always opposed selective approaches and initiatives against developing countries, particularly those driven by political motivations and hegemonic interests of some powers, undermining cooperation in the field of human rights.
We believe that the Universal Periodic Review mechanism of the Human Rights Council is the appropriate instrument to address the human rights situation in all countries without distinction or politicization.
Cuba opposes the certification of countries through unilateral lists, published by powerful nations, concerning alleged violations of human rights. These practices are contrary to international law and the Charter of the United Nations; only seeking to justify acts of aggression and unilateral coercive measures against developing countries.
Some nations forget the human rights violations that have shaken the world, such as wars of aggression and conquest, prisons and secret flights, kidnapping of human beings, the existence of concentration camps where torture and other serious violations are practiced, or extrajudicial executions using drones, among other unfortunate examples.
Mr. Chairman,
We strongly condemn aggressions of all sorts including the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States Government against Cuba for more than 50 years. This unilateral coercive measure is the major violation of the human rights of all Cubans and an act contrary to the spirit and the letter of the Charter of the United Nations and international law.
I conclude by reiterating that the effective realization of all human rights, respect for cultural diversity, for different religions and beliefs, for the diversity of political, economic and social systems, and for the right to self-determination of peoples, should be the cornerstone of our actions.
Thank you very much