U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Cuba

UPR, 44^th Session

Delivered by Ambassador Michèle Taylor

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

We recommend that Cuba:

1. Cease the practice of arbitrarily detaining journalists, opposition members, human rights defenders, religious actors, and other persons seeking to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
2. Release the approximately 1000 persons unjustly or arbitrarily detained, including those reportedly imprisoned for exercising their right to peaceful assembly, investigating and reporting on government activities, or expressing dissent. Once released, they must be allowed to travel freely both domestically and internationally.
3. Adopt a legal framework that ensures judicial independence.
4. End its one-party system to allow genuinely free and fair elections, involving multiple political parties, that provide citizens with real choices regarding their government.
5. Comply with international labor standards and cease using coercive practices to manipulate and pressure workers into participating in the labor export program, including medical missions.

We wish to remind the delegation that this is not a venue for political exchange or bilateral issues. I thank you.

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