A/HRC/11/37 1. Views expressed by the State under review on the recommendations and/or conclusions as well as on its voluntary commitments and the outcome 404. Cuba regretted that the process of adoption of several of the reports at the session had been affected by the artificial obstacles in their translation presented by the Conference Services Division, stating that it welcomed and supported the draft decision being put forward to attempt to resolve this issue. 405. Cuba thanked the countries that supported its re-election to the Council, which it saw as a token of the international community’s recognition of its efforts and achievements in the promotion and protection of human rights. 406. Cuba stressed that, in its national capacity and as the President of the Non-Aligned Movement, it had contributed to the establishment of the universal periodic review mechanism, and had undertaken the exercise with full responsibility, participating openly and transparently in the dialogue with all States. This exercise had allowed Cuba to put forward its experience and good practices, as well as the challenges it faced. It allowed Cuba to listen to the opinions of many delegations. 407. After 20 years of unjust anti-Cuban manipulation of human rights, Cuba saw the results of the universal periodic review as an important victory for its people, showing that, in the context of an objective exercise of universal participation where it was not possible to exert pressure, the truth about Cuba could not be silenced. The international community clearly confirmed its condemnation of the blockade imposed by the United States of America on Cuba. Several delegations had been explicit in their solidarity with the Cuban people in their historical demand that an end be put to that genocidal policy. 408. Several delegations had recognized the example of people’s participation, inclusion and social justice that was part of the political, economic and social system chosen by the Cuban people. The success of Cuba in the area of economic, social and cultural rights, including its excellent health and education systems, were praised. 409. Cuba’s international cooperation in health and education were referred to as paradigms of international solidarity. The “Yes I can” literacy programme and the “Milagro Operation” were mentioned on several occasions as good practices. 410. Cuba stated that the report adopted by the Working Group objectively reflected the results of the process; 60 delegations spoke and 89 recommendations had been made. Cuba fully accepted 60 recommendations and provided additional information and comments on the 17 others in writing. Cuba objected to a few recommendations because of their incompatibility with the exercise of the right to self-determination; some of them showed a lack of information and knowledge about Cuba’s very rich and diverse reality. 411. Cuba had carefully reviewed the report of the Working Group and the recommendations made. It said it was working to put the recommendations into practice, according to its possibilities, and that the inter-institutional working group established to coordinate consultations in preparation of the national report was still active, with the objective of following up and implementing the recommendations as necessary, by carrying out consultations and guaranteeing the broad participation of civil society. 412. Cuba stated that, in the midst of the difficult conditions in the country, where the impact of the blockade had been compounded by the effects of the world financial crisis, the Government had continued to deepen its revolutionary transformation. Cuba had continued to develop and perfect its programmes in health, education, social security, protection for the elderly, persons with disabilities and the most vulnerable. Cuba had continued to promote equality, including programmes to empower women. Despite the difficulties, Cuba had continued its housing construction plan and was taking measures to increase agricultural production and ensure greater food security. GE.09-16766 121