The following is the intervention by Ambassador of Cuba, Rodolfo Benítez Verson, at the 61st ordinary session of the Human Rights Council on March 2, 2026.

Mr. President:

Mr. High Commissioner:

Humanity is at a historic crossroads. A global dictatorship is being imposed before our very eyes.

The United States proclaims the exceptional and supreme right to conquest and the use of force as a legitimate course of action. Beyond ideologies, all states are in danger.

What is most worrying is that those responsible act with absolute impunity.

The international community must mobilize to act with the urgency and determination that this moment demands. We must defend the UN Charter and International Law.

Mr. President:

Cuba condemns in the strongest terms the attacks being perpetrated by the United States and Israel, which violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

We call for an immediate halt to this aggression, which has caused civilian casualties, including children.

We advocate for preserving the principle of good neighborliness between Iran and the Arab States at this delicate time.

Mr. President:

The United States government is escalating its aggressive actions against Cuba.

They are now imposing a de facto energy blockade, with which they intend to create a humanitarian catastrophe.

These are criminal and illegal coercive measures. They constitute a ruthless collective punishment of the Cuban people and a flagrant violation of their human rights.

As the High Commissioner stated in his report on this issue, “Nothing can justify the suffocation of a population.”

We are aware of the great challenges we face, but even in the worst-case scenario, we will persist in defending our sovereignty and independence.

Faced with all difficulties, we will mitigate the humanitarian damage, protect children and the elderly, and those most in need. We will always maintain our commitment to defending all human rights for all.

Thank you very much.