Cuba's Exam UPR Mechanismo of the UN Human Rights Council

Embassy of the Republic of Cuba to New Zealand

Press release

Broad recognition to the performance and advances of Cuba in the promotion and protection of human rights

On Wednesday, May 1st, 2013, Cuba presented its second report to the Universal Periodic Review mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council. Once again Cuba undertook this exercise with full responsibility, convinced that respectful and constructive dialogue is the only way to foster international cooperation to advancing human rights.

After several months of intense preparation and having developed an extensive consultation process involving state and government institutions, Parliament and hundreds of civil society organizations in Cuba, the report widely exposes the situation of human rights in the country, in particular the developments and progress made since the first round of the UPR four years ago, specially the implementation of recommendations accepted by Cuba in 2009.

In spite of the unfair manipulation, the lies and the distorted image promoted by the United States and its allies regarding the human rights in Cuba, the results of this review process, like in 2009, have been an important victory of the Cuban people. There has been widespread recognition of the work and performance of the Cuban nation in this area. It has been shown, once again, that in the context of a universal participatory exercise of objective nature, in which the United States cannot crush the spirit through pressures, Cuba's truth cannot be silenced.

One hundred and thirty-two delegations took the floor during the interactive dialogue. The overwhelming majority of them recognized the efforts and results of Cuba in promoting and protecting human rights. Only few representatives, including from the United States, repeated their customary attacks on the Cuban social and political system.

It was widely reaffirmed the international community's condemnation of the blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba, as the main obstacle and a real violation of human rights of the entire Cuban people. Several delegations express their solidarity with Cuba in its demand for an end to this genocidal policy.

Cuba's successes in the area of economic, social and cultural rights were overwhelmingly supported. Universal coverage, gratuity and the excellence of the Cuban systems of health and education were repeatedly praised. Many speakers highlighted Cuba’s early fulfillment of the main UN Millennium Development Goals, and the high human development index achieved by Cuba was also recognized.

Cuba’s success in the fight against discrimination was frequently mentioned, in particular its achievements in gender equality and the advancement of women, the protection and promotion of the rights of people with disabilities, as well as on the elimination of discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Cuba's international cooperation in health and education were referred to as paradigms of international solidarity. A high number of delegations commended the initiatives and encouraged the Cuban people to continue their efforts in this area. The literacy method "Yes I can" and "Operation Miracle" were referred to several times as examples of good practices to follow.

Several delegations recognized the benefits and reported as an example of popular participation, inclusion and social justice the political, economic and social system chosen by the Cuban people.

There were made more than 200 recommendations. The most common view expressed was one encouraging Cuba to maintain the direction of its current efforts in the promotion and protection of human rights.

Cuba shall give full consideration to each of the recommendations and give a timely response to these during the 24th session of the Human Rights Council, to be held in September 2013.

A wide range of recommendations will be accepted by the Cuban government, and will be implemented in line with Cuba’s possibilities and changing circumstances in which the country continues to advance its goal of achieving full justice. Many of them have already been fulfilled, are being implemented or are part of the future priorities of the country.

Only a reduced number of recommendations are unacceptable to Cuba. Those that are politically biased and built on false foundations derived from attempts to discredit Cuba by those who, with its hegemonic ambitions, refuse to accept diversity and the right of self-determination of the Cuban people. Those recommendations are not in line with the spirit of cooperation and respect required by this exercise.

Cuba remains committed to strengthening the Human Rights Council and its Universal Periodic Review mechanism. Cuba will continue working for the strengthening and improvement of this mechanism, seeking to strengthen its effectiveness in strict accordance with the principles of objectivity, impartiality and non-selectivity, essential support of international cooperation in human rights.

Embacuba Nueva Zelanda

ENDS

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