Mr. President,
We warmly welcome the Group of Experts. We take note of its presentation and acknowledge the work it has done for more than 20 years to combat racism and racial discrimination.
Unfortunately, the goals agreed at the historic Durban Conference remain unfulfilled. Manifestations of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia are increasing at an alarming rate, mainly in developed countries.
Police brutality, disproportionate incarceration, marginalisation, racially motivated violence, economic deprivation, poverty and discrimination continue to mark the lives of people of African descent.
As experts point out, economic reparations to Africans and people of African descent for the consequences of slavery, colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade remain pending.
Restorative justice must be comprehensive and collective, and must include compensation, rehabilitation and guarantees of non-repetition, as well as adequate monitoring, evaluation and accountability mechanisms.
The countries that participated in and benefited from these crimes must assume their historical responsibility. Slavery and colonialism, whose consequences still endure, must be recognised as crimes against humanity.
Cuba will maintain its firm condemnation and repudiation of racism and racial discrimination in all its forms and manifestations. We will continue to contribute to international efforts to promote and protect the human rights of people of African descent. We will actively participate in the negotiation of the United Nations Declaration for the full recognition of these rights, which we hope will be adopted as soon as possible.
Thank you very much.