Cuba Warns on Worsening Poverty Worldwide

Cuba Warns on Worsening Poverty Worldwide Geneva, Mar 9. – Cuba denounced here the worsening of poverty, marginalization and underdevelopment affecting billions of people worldwide as a consequence of the economic crisis and the rise in food prices.

"The exercise of fundamental rights such as food, health, education, work, housing, water, sanitation, is being denied at least to one of six inhabitants of the planet," Cuban delegate Juan Antonio Quintanilla stated.

In face of that situation, international cooperation and solidarity become imperative, Quintanilla said during the debate of the Working Group on the Right to Development, at the 19th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Quintanilla regretted the fact that a document has not been condemned, due to the unconstructive attitude by developed countries, led by the United States, which try to change the Working Group's mandate in favor of their own interests.

Cuba has modestly contributed to the realization of the rights of millions of people in 68 countries, although it does not have great resources and suffers from the negative effects of the blockade imposed by Washington for over 50 years, the Cuban delegate stated.

The diplomat said that the economic, commercial and financial siege should be immediately lifted, as the UN General Assembly has requested for 20 consecutive times.

On behalf of his people, Quintanilla also demanded the international community to provide the broadest support to the release of five Cuban antiterrorist fighters unjustly held in U.S. prisons.

Gerardo Hernandez, Antonio Guerrero, Fernando Gonzalez, Ramon Labañino and Rene Gonzalez are currently serving harsh sentences for monitoring the actions of terrorist groups operating in Miami.(Prensa Latina)