Joint Statement on Cuban re-election to the UNHRC
Published: Sep 27, 2023 Reading time: 1 minute
We, the signatory organizations, raise our concerns about the Cuban State re-election candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council, a body that is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe.
Through our direct work with Cuban activists and civil society organizations, we have witnessed how the Cuban government systematically violates the Council’s principles by threatening, harassing, incarcerating and torturing citizens that express dissent. A proof of this is the approval of the new penal code, approved only months after the July 11, 2021 (11J) protests, which increases penalties and criminalizes activism and political dissent.
As human rights organizations, we fear that the election of Cuba for this body would be used by the island’s government to continue to evade responsibility for its own conduct and use its seat to undermine and elude its accountability to adhere to international human rights norms.
Therefore, we make a vehement appeal to all the states represented in the UN General Assembly to vote down for States that act against human rights and dignity for all.
