Mr. Chairman,
Cuba upholds the principles of mutual respect, truth, justice, universality, impartiality and non-selectivity as the only way to promote and protect all human rights.
Higher priority and visibility should be granted to solving 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,
Cuba's exemplary performance in this matter belies any manipulation against my country, as is the case with the statement delivered by the United States delegation. This is an example of an arrogant and confrontational approach that in no way contributes to the promotion and protection of human rights.
The United States lacks the morals to give lessons in terms of human rights. It has a pattern of systematic violations of all human rights, including the use of torture, arbitrary detention and deprivation of liberty, as is the case of Guantánamo Naval Base, a territory of our people that has been illegally occupied; the murder and abuse of African-Americans by police officers; the death of civilians by their intervention and occupation forces; the increase of supremacist ideas, racial discrimination and xenophobia; and the imprisonment of migrant children.
Mr. Chairman,
Cuba has always opposed selective approaches and initiatives against developing countries, particularly those based on political motivations and hegemonic interests of certain powers that undermine cooperation in the field of human rights.
We believe that the Universal Periodic Review mechanism of the Human Rights Council is the appropriate instrument for dealing with the human rights situation in all countries without distinction or politicization.
Cuba opposes the certification of countries through unilateral lists such as those published by the United States on alleged human rights violations. Such practices are contrary to International Law and the Charter of the United Nations and only seek to justify acts of aggression and unilateral coercive measures against developing countries.
The greater violations of human rights have been perpetrated by the United States. Disgraceful pages include the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the wars of aggression and conquest, the secret prisons and flights, the kidnapping of human beings, the existence of concentration camps where torture and other serious violations are practiced, or the extrajudicial executions with the use of drones, among other unfortunate examples.
Mr. Chairman,
We strongly condemn the aggressions of every kind, in particular the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States government against Cuba for over 50 years. The blockade is the major violation of the human rights of all Cubans and an act inconsistent with the spirit and 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, different religions and beliefs, the diversity of political, economic and social systems and the right to self-determination of peoples must be the cornerstone of our actions.
Thank you very much