Cuba has demanded for justice and respect from the United Nations Commission for Human Rights (CHR). A statement released by the Cuban embassy in Lusaka stated that it was necessary to put an end to the political manipulation of the works of the CHR.

The statement comes ahead of the Commission's 61st session to take place in Geneva from March 14th to April 22, 2005. It stated that another resolution against Cuba would fuel the spiralling confrontation, polarization and political manipulation, which had been eroding the CHR's authority, increasingly undermined by selectivity and double standards.

"The works of the CHR have been impaired by political manipulation. A small group of powerful countries, most especially the world hegemonic superpower, have turned the Commission into a sort of court of inquisition against countries from the south and against all those who oppose their strategic plans for political and ideological domination," the embassy stated.

According to the embassy, the direct consequence of the political manipulation of bodies such as the CHR had been that the decisions taken by such bodies had less credibility and legitimacy.

"Cuba confirms its stance along those who are willing to uphold truth and justice by confronting the manipulations, pressures and blackmail of those who have no qualms whatsoever about getting away with their strategy of turning the Commission on Human Rights into a blunt tool to support their plans of hegemonic domination," it stated.

According to the statement, Cuba has supported just causes and claims in Africa, Asia and Latin America with thousands of Cubans giving their lives, sweat and struggle against colonialism, apartheid, illiteracy and disease.

"With its resolve and unwavering vote, Cuba has always rejected the manoeuvres of the industrialised powers whose intention is to condemn and stigmatise states from the South in the works of the CHR and the General Assembly," read the statement.

It stated that Cuba was confident developing countries truly committed to the cause of human rights would continue to play a leading role in opposing the actions of those who try to turn the Commission into a court of the inquisition against states from the South.