A/HRC/7/31 page 5 in western industrialized countries, even though abundant information had been provided by thematic Special Rapporteurs, treaty bodies and non-governmental organizations regarding the violation of human rights, in particular those of minorities, migrant workers and indigenous populations. (e) The Government noted that establishment of the Human Rights Council to replace the Commission provides the opportunity to enter a new stage in the promotion and protection of all human rights for all on the basis of international cooperation and constructive dialogue. The resolution establishing this new body states that the mechanism shall be based on the principles of cooperation, universal application and equal treatment, in order to assess the situation of human rights in all countries, with the aim of strengthening the capacity of Member States, facilitating the exchange of best practices and providing technical assistance to those Governments who request it. (f) In its response the Government stressed that Cuba, both in its national capacity and as Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, had worked hard and constructively during the negotiations on the establishment and institution-building of the new Council. The importance of a constructive approach in the context of the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms was reaffirmed by the Non-Aligned Movement in the framework of the 14th summit of Heads of State or Government (Havana 2006). (g) In spite of its reservations regarding various elements contained in the institution-building package presented by the President of the Council in June 2007, Cuba had joined the consensus to demonstrate its firm commitment to the promotion and protection of all human rights for all. Also, Cuba had hoped that the new body would be void of the selectivity and politicization, which had prevented the Commission from fulfilling its mandate as the main human rights body. Cuba expressed great concern about the attitude of some countries, in particular the United States of America, which have exerted strong pressure to reopen the institution-building package of the Council, thereby seeking to reinstate selectivity, politicization and double standards, which would force the same fate as the Commission on the Council. The Government reiterated its rejection of the application of such practices, in particular in the context of the Third Committee of the General Assembly. (h) Such harmful practices and approaches erode any possibility of establishing a genuine system of international cooperation, which would contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights for all. It is therefore essential to eliminate these vices from the United Nations human rights machinery. The new universal periodic review mechanism, if implemented as a genuine system of cooperation as stated in its principles, would offer the opportunity to encourage international cooperation in the field of human rights. (i) The Government emphasized that international cooperation in the field of human rights would also require real representation and geographic rotation of special procedure mandate holders and experts of treaty bodies, as well as a fair balance in the composition of staff of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Moreover, it would also be necessary for the required resources to be available, in particular in relation to technical cooperation, human rights education and education in general. The Government stressed that understanding and respect for the diversity of cultures, civilizations and religions, as well as legal, political and philosophical systems is necessary for the objective and impartial fulfilment of the