In a speech delivered this Monday before the High-Level Segment of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, the Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, made it clear that the Cuban regime does not intend to change its internal policies, despite the severe economic and social crisis the island is facing.
Rodríguez, true to the official script, condemned the economic sanctions imposed by the United States and labeled them as the primary cause of the hardships faced by Cuban families.
"The economic blockade causes inflation, low availability of fuels, food, medicines, and severe damage to the electrical service. It hinders the full enjoyment of the rights to food, health, culture, and education, which the Cuban state provides free of charge or heavily subsidized," said the chancellor."
However, Rodríguez did not mention the structural failures and the poor management of the Cuban government as determining factors in the inflation, the shortage of food and medicine, and the collapse of the electrical system that has severely affected the country for the past five years.
Defense of the Cuban regime and attack on the West
During his speech, the chancellor lashed out at Western countries, accusing them of using the Human Rights Council to target nations that do not subordinate themselves to their interests.
"The attempts by Western countries to turn this Council into a repressive tool against countries that do not submit to their interests are unacceptable," he stated, overlooking the numerous international complaints about the repression in Cuba, arbitrary detentions, and the persecution of dissent.
Rodríguez also referred to the United States as an "active accomplice of the Israeli genocide in Gaza" and condemned the recent inclusion of Cuba on the list of countries sponsoring terrorism. He made no mention of the documented human rights violations within the island or the lack of fundamental freedoms for the Cuban people themselves.
Closing ranks and more resistance
The most striking statement from the chancellor was one that outlines the political line of the regime: "Cuba will remain steadfast in its creative and selfless resistance". This declaration reaffirms the rigidity of the Cuban government, which continues to prioritize its ideological model over the needs and demands of the population.
While Rodríguez defended "sovereignty" and the "socialist state of law and social justice," the reality in Cuba is quite different: prolonged power outages, uncontrolled inflation, shortages of food and medicine, and increasing repression against those who dare to raise their voices.
The "creative and selfless resistance" mentioned by the chancellor translates into the daily survival of millions of Cubans trapped in a crisis that seems never-ending.
No signs of change in Cuba
Rodríguez's words at the UN confirm what many feared: There will be no changes or reforms to alleviate the suffering of the Cuban people.
The regime clings to its rhetoric of resistance while the population faces, day by day, the consequences of a collapsed economy and a political system resistant to any democratic opening.
In the streets of Cuba, the "full dignity of man" promised by Rodríguez sounds increasingly hollow, while despair and exhaustion set the rhythm of a nation that can no longer endure.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Political and Social Situation in Cuba
What statements did Bruno Rodríguez make at the UN regarding the situation in Cuba?
Bruno Rodríguez stated that Cuba will remain steadfast in its "creative and selfless resistance" and attributed the island's economic and social difficulties primarily to the economic blockade by the United States, without acknowledging the internal failures of the Cuban regime.
How does the Cuban regime justify the current economic crisis?
The Cuban regime, represented by Bruno Rodríguez, primarily blames the economic blockade by the United States for the economic difficulties. It does not acknowledge structural failures and poor internal management as significant causes of the economic and social crisis in Cuba.
What stance does the Cuban government take on human rights according to the speech at the UN?
Bruno Rodríguez defended Cuba, stating that it respects human rights as enshrined in its Constitution. However, in practice, there are systematic violations of these rights, such as the restriction of fundamental freedoms and the repression of dissent.
What does the phrase "irrevocable nature of socialism" mean in the Cuban Constitution?
The "irrevocable nature of socialism" in the Cuban Constitution implies that transitions to other political models are not allowed. This perpetuates the power of the Communist Party of Cuba and justifies repression against pro-democratic movements, limiting any possibility of political reform in the country.
What criticisms does the Cuban regime face regarding its economic management?
The Cuban regime faces criticism for its economic management due to the ongoing crisis the island is experiencing. The lack of significant reforms and the refusal to acknowledge internal mistakes have perpetuated a situation of scarcity of basic goods, uncontrolled inflation, and deterioration of infrastructure.
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