A/77/92 incitement to violence, subversion, destabilization, the dissemination of fake news and the misrepresentation of reality for political purposes and as a pretext for th e waging of war or for the threat or use of force, in violation of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. In this regard, we reject the methods of unconventional warfare deployed by the United States Government against Cuba, including through the use of new information technologies and other digital platforms to destabilize and discredit our country. We reaffirm the right and duty of States to combat, as a constitutional prerogative, the dissemination of fake or distorted news that may be interpreted as interference in the internal affairs of other States or as detrimental to the promotion of peace, cooperation and friendly relations among States and nations. We cannot ignore the fact that the growing development of cyberoffensive capabilities and operations can transform cyberspace into a new theatre of conflict. We reject attempts to equate the malicious use of information and communications technologies with the concept of “armed attack” in order to justify the exercise of the right of self-defence provided for in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. We repudiate the deliberate use of these technologies to damage the vital infrastructure of other States, including their information systems, or to otherwise hinder the use and operation of critical infrastructure, which is essential to the social stability and security of States. The United Nations is the preeminent multilateral forum and the main platform for addressing the concerns of its Member States regarding the security and use of information and communications technologies. In this regard, the open -ended working group on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies 2021–2025, established pursuant to General Assembly resolution 75/240, is the only inclusive mechanism available to Member States to discuss cybersecurity issues in a transparent manner and on an equal footing. We reiterate the importance of the aforementioned working group and hope that this intergovernmental process will contribute to filling the existing legal vacuum with binding norms leading to the adoption of a comprehensive legal instrument on information and communications technologies in the context of international security. While confidence-building measures are a useful tool, such measures alone do not guarantee the strictly peaceful use of information and communications technologies, given that no such legally binding instrument exists in this area. Cuba, as a member of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, once again calls upon developed countries and the relevant international entities to provide developing countries, upon request, with assistance and cooperation, including through financial resources, capacity-building and technology transfer, taking into account the specific needs and characteristics of each recipient State. We oppose the application of unilateral coercive measures that, like the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the Government of the United States against Cuba, prevent or limit universal access and the peaceful use and enjoyment of information and communications technologies for the well-being of our populations. 8/34 22-08761