Mr. President:

The report presented as input for this dialogue reflects the intention to maintain a selective and politicized approach to Eritrea. Cuba opposes this approach.

It is regrettable, even more so given the critical financial situation facing the United Nations, that tens of millions of dollars are being spent on interventionist mechanisms, such as the one imposed on Eritrea, which cannot yield any results because they lack the consent of the country concerned.  

We reiterate our call to abandon outdated and ineffective punitive practices against countries in the South.

Cuba will continue to oppose any act contrary to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and will always defend respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States.

The only effective way to promote human rights in any country is through respectful dialogue and constructive cooperation, based on impartiality, without manipulation or double standards.

Rather than punitive mechanisms, what Eritrea urgently needs is an end to the unilateral coercive measures being applied against that country, which violate the human rights of its people.

Thank you so much