Cuba’s victory at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, was resounding: a large number of delegations from every continent took part in the debate. Regarding the impact of the U.S. blockade on the human rights of the Cuban people.
All of them supported the findings of the Council’s Special Rapporteur on Unilateral Coercive Measures. The blockade against Cuba must end because it is illegal. It causes immense harm, and violates the human rights of all Cuban men and women.
Not a single nation on the Council defended the criminal conduct of the United States. All called for an end to its siege against Cuba.
Ambassador Rodolfo Benítez Verson, Cuba’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, commented on the events in an exclusive interview with Prensa Latina.
“I believe it is important to explain the context in order to fully grasp the significance of what has just taken place at the Human Rights Council,” the diplomat stated.
“This is the first time since its creation in 2006 that the Council has examined the impact of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States,” the ambassador emphasized.
“Furthermore, the debate is taking place at a particularly critical moment. As the United States escalates its multidimensional war against our country to extreme levels,” he asserted.
“Moreover, we must not forget that Washington traditionally uses United Nations forums tasked with examining human rights issues. As platforms to attack and single out our country, as part of its strategy to achieve its long-held dream of overthrowing the Cuban Revolution,” he noted.
“Not only have they failed in their objectives, but today they have found themselves in the dock. Forced to listen as delegation after delegation rejected their cruel and inhumane policy against Cuba. A policy that prevents Cubans from enjoying their legitimate human rights to food, health, education, development, and life,” declared Benítez.
This also marks the first time that a specialized, independent mechanism of the Human Rights Council has presented the body. With a comprehensive assessment of the impact of the coercive measures imposed on Cuba. Based on direct evidence gathered on the ground by the Special Rapporteur during her visit to our country last November.
The results of this exercise leave no doubt that reason and justice are on Cuba’s side, the diplomat emphasized.
I must highlight that an unusually high number of countries and non-governmental organizations signed up to speak in order to express their rejection of the United States’ coercive measures, the ambassador noted.
Many of those who signed up to speak were unable to do so due to time constraints. Yet in one way or another, they have conveyed their support and solidarity with Cuba to our delegation. A gesture for which we are grateful on behalf of our people, he stated.
Another noteworthy aspect is the comprehensive nature and depth of the report presented by the Special Rapporteur. The text compiles irrefutable evidence and demonstrable legal assessments that stand in direct opposition to the narrative the United States government seeks to impose, he explained.
The ambassador pointed out that the report categorically refutes the false U.S. narrative. Aimed at portraying the Cuban government as responsible for the immense difficulties facing our country, he stressed.
Also the Special Rapporteur demonstrates that Cuban authorities are making enormous, sustained efforts to protect the population—especially the most vulnerable. And to mitigate, as much as possible, the effects of the U.S. coercive measures. Which impact every aspect of Cuban society, he affirmed.
At the same time, the Special Rapporteur highlights that the actions of the United States government are so intense and persistent that they overwhelm the Cuban government’s mitigation efforts. Causing shortages of essential goods and services in Cuban households, the diplomat noted.
The Special Rapporteur makes clear recommendations to the United States. Including the lifting of the blockade and the energy embargo imposed on Cuba, Benítez emphasized. It also calls for ending or suspending all restrictions that hinder the supply of essential goods. Including food, medicines, and medical equipment destined for our peopl. With the maintenance and development of critical infrastructure, he outlined.
Likewise, she states that Washington must end the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. Also they revoke the national emergency declared under the absurd claim that Cuba poses a threat to United States security, he concluded.
With information from Prensa Latina
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