Mr. Chairman,
We thank the Secretariat for its reports under item 72 a): human rights instruments.
Cuba reiterates its willingness to cooperate with all United Nations human rights bodies and institutions that are universally applicable and non-discriminatory in nature, based on the provisions set out in General Assembly resolution 68/268, which established guidelines aimed at strengthening and improving the functioning of the treaty body system. This does not imply the establishment of new mechanisms that exceed the provisions governing the standard itself.
We reaffirm our willingness for dialogue, based on mutual respect, acceptance of sovereign equality and recognition of the right of each people to choose their political system and institutions.
It is also important to ensure that, in carrying out their work, treaty bodies do not create new legal obligations that are not laid down in the international standard to which the State is a party.
Treaty bodies should leave no room for manipulation and politicization, as these lacerate their role. This may happen if their presidents adopt guidelines and other provisions on aspects that bring about polarization and division amongst Member States, given the possibilities of subjective, biased, selective and manipulated application of these regulations.
On the other hand, we are convinced that the effective and objective functioning of treaty bodies requires equitable and genuinely diverse geographical representation of their members.
Mr. Chairman,
Cuba reaffirms the full validity of the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action, which established the commitment of all States to fulfill their obligations in promoting universal respect, and in observing and protecting all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, other human rights instruments and international law.
The said document also reaffirmed the right to development as a universal and inalienable right and as an integral part of fundamental human rights, and endorsed the principle that democracy is based on the freely expressed will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural regime, and on their full involvement in all aspects of life.
Mr. Chairman,
We took note of the report submitted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights under agenda item 72 d). Its overview of core activities carried out in the last period, many of which we share, is very helpful.
We are impressed that the High Commissioner continues to apply in his work principles and initiatives not agreed upon which are still awaiting detailed analysis by the Member States. In this connection, we recall that resolution A/66/257 provides that such changes must be approved by the General Assembly.
Mr. Chairman,
Cuba will continue to uphold genuine cooperation, mutual respect, truth, justice, universality, impartiality and non-selectivity in dealing with human rights.
Thank you very much.