1. Cuba considers that the outcome of the universal periodic review is very positive. 2. Cuba undertook this exercise with the utmost responsibility, convinced that respectful and constructive dialogue is the only way toward international cooperation in the field of human rights. 3. Cuba participated in this dialogue in an open, honest and transparent manner, convinced of the usefulness of this exchange. 4. The exercise enabled us to share our experiences and good practices in the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as the challenges faced by the country in its struggle to make further progress towards the full realization of all human rights of all Cubans. 5. The review also provided an opportunity to listen to the opinions of many delegations, as an important contribution to continue improving our society. 6. Cuba is pleased with the wide recognition received from delegations participating in the debate for its efforts and achievements in the field of human rights. 7. A total of 104 countries registered with the list of speakers to take part in the debate. 8. Sixty delegations took the floor. Fifty-one of them praised Cuba’s progress in the field of human rights. Only 9 countries, some of which also recognized the progress made in this field, questioned Cuba’s performance in the area of civil and political rights. Some of these comments are not valid, as they are incompatible with the Cuban people’s right to self-determination. 9. The wide, participatory and transparent process that took place for the preparation of Cuba’s national report was highlighted, as well as the comprehensive content of the report and the quality of the presentation made by the Cuban delegation. Several delegations emphasized the ample press coverage given to the report and the wide distribution of materials on the subject. 10. The United States blockade against Cuba was recognized to be the main obstacle to the efforts of the Cuban Government and to the enjoyment of human rights by the entire Cuban people. Sixteen countries expressed their explicit solidarity with the Cuban people in its demand for an end to the blockade. 11. The role played by Cuba in the institution-building process of the Human Rights Council was highlighted, as well as its activism as Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement. 12. There was widespread recognition of Cuba’s performance and achievements in the area of economic, social and cultural rights. 37 countries referred to Cuba’s health and education systems as paradigms for the Third World. 13. Twenty-two delegations stressed Cuba’s international cooperation in the areas of health and education and encouraged its continuation. 14. The report on the review of Cuba adopted by the Working Group objectively reflects the outcome of the process. 15. A total of 89 recommendations were made; some of them were submitted by different delegations. Cuba fully accepted 60 recommendations. It will send its comments on another 17 before the formal adoption of the report by the Council during its eleventh session in June. A few recommendations were objected to, which was decided with strict adherence to Resolution 60/251 of the General Assembly, given that they were incompatible with the exercise of the Cuban people’s right to self-determination because we will never jeopardize our sovereignty or the ideals of our Revolution. By the way, some of them reveal an inexplicable lack of information and ignorance of our rich and diverse reality. 17. None of the recommendations made by African, Asian or Latin-American and Caribbean countries was rejected by Cuba. The few recommendations refused were made by Western industrialized countries. 18. It has been a clear recognition of the work of the Cuban people in the field of human rights. It has been a victory of truth and justice.
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