China, Cuba work together to safeguard human rights

Human rights are subjective, inalienable and inherent attributions of being human, based on the value and dignity of every person and on the need for protection of the rights for the development of all of a person's capabilities.

Therefore, in accordance with Article 1 of the Vienna Declaration of 1993, there is no doubt that each government has the primary responsibility for the promotion and protection of human rights, which requires legal and practical guarantees to preserve their universal, interdependent and indivisible character.

China and Cuba are united by a deep and rich common history. For more than six decades, our countries have had to face similar challenges: aggression, blockades, smear campaigns, subversion and attempts at isolation. The two countries share the conviction that the construction of socialism is the way to achieve a fairer society, where the full dignity of man is at the center of the system of socioeconomic development.

Cuba and China are close friends that have also worked together for the promotion and protection of human rights, especially within the framework of the Human Rights Council and in the United Nations General Assembly.

Cuba recognizes China's efforts to safeguard the human rights of its people, and notes with satisfaction the country's progress over the past 10 years. Today, it is clear that unquestionable achievements have been made, such as the eradication of extreme poverty and the first steps in the construction of a moderately prosperous Chinese society.

We are certain that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, China will continue to write new chapters in the pursuit of human progress. Over the past hundred years, the CPC has ensured the protection of the rights and interests of the Chinese people and served as a guarantor of the expansion of the people's orderly participation in politics.

Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, China has an opportunity to adhere to the comprehensive development of human rights in a new era, without renouncing the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The lines of work for the next five years set out at the 20th National Congress of the CPC in October reflect these purposes, which will mark the beginning of a new journey toward the construction of a modern socialist country and the fulfillment of the second centenary goal of building a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong and culturally advanced and harmonious by 2049.

After the conclusion of the 20th National Congress of the CPC, we are sure that China will work for the promotion and protection of human rights as part of the process of modernization and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in the new era. These efforts will be intrinsically related to the development of popular democracy throughout the process, which was one of the new tasks that resulted from the National Congress.

Cuba conceives of public health as a fundamental human right and a responsibility of the state. Starting in 1959, policies have been established to modify the health situation at that time, and strategies were defined for the development of the National Health System, which today is characterized by being universal, accessible, public, free and of high quality throughout the country.

Health is a fundamental right for development, and it depends on the broadest political will and cooperation among states. Governments have a responsibility to ensure the health of their people, which can only be achieved through the adoption of adequate health and social measures. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the need to unite to face the virus. In this sense, Cuba, like China, opted to preserve human life over economic benefits in the face of the pandemic, and neither country hesitated to offer its hand in solidarity to other countries that requested help and cooperation.

In this context, Cuba made significant achievements in the fight against COVID-19 based on its solid health system, the development achieved by the biopharmaceutical industry and the strengths of scientific potential.

Cuba and China have a common history in upholding the right to health and international solidarity. Both countries maintain close cooperation within the World Health Organization, and in the context of the pandemic, exchanges of medical supplies and mutual support in the fight against COVID-19 have prevailed. These actions give continuity to bilateral cooperation in the health sector, which has been carried out over 20 years and continues to grow.

China's role in safeguarding human rights transcends its borders. In global human rights governance, China takes an active role. We do not forget that China is one of the largest contributors of countries' development aid. It has shown a willingness to share its experiences and resources with other countries and regions on the basis of equality and mutual respect. It has also defended the interests of developing countries and worked for greater justice, equity and accessibility of human rights for all.

As a country that practices peaceful coexistence, China remains committed to peace. China firmly safeguards the international system with the UN at the center. China adheres to a vision of global governance that provides consultation, joint contributions and benefits, with a vision of comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.

In this regard, we welcome and support the steps initiated by China through the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, because they make it possible to advance the building of a fair world, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN's 2030 Agenda, win-win cooperation and promotion of international peace and security.

The author is the Cuban ambassador to China.