Mr. President,
Acts of intimidation against organizations or individuals who legitimately cooperate with the United Nations in the field of human rights are unacceptable and deserve the strong condemnation of all States.
Multiple acts of harassment, intimidation and reprisals against those in the United States who raise their voices against the criminal and illegal unilateral coercive measures imposed on Cuba and convey these views to United Nations mechanisms have been documented.
Those who travel to Cuba from the United States as part of solidarity delegations or participate in demonstrations rejecting the blockade are frequently subjected to scrutiny, harassment and smear campaigns. The U.S. authorities seek to create a climate of fear and self-censorship.
We denounce the harassment and unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States against the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied, in retaliation for defending the victims of the genocide in Gaza.
Other mandate holders of the Council also face pressure from Washington, including through the use of visas as a means of coercion to restrict their travel to the UN Headquarters in New York for official missions.
These actions are not isolated. They form part of a pattern of attacks by the Government of the United States against the United Nations.
In different parts of the world, many social movements, youth leaders, migrants and people of African descent who cooperate with the United Nations system are victims of harassment, threats and reprisals. This reality is not adequately reflected in the report presented.
We reiterate that reports on this matter must be objective, non-politicized, and based on credible and verifiable sources.
Thank you very much.