Geneva, October 12, 2026. — Ambassador Rodolfo Benítez Verson, Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations Office in Geneva, held a productive meeting this Monday with Isabel Márquez Daniel, Regional Director for the Americas at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
UNHCR works in coordination with the Cuban Government, providing technical assistance to strengthen national capacities for the protection and assistance of refugees and asylum-seekers who have arrived in our country.
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the enormous challenges and regional priorities in the field of refugees, against a backdrop of a significant decline in UNHCR's financial resources.
Ambassador Benítez Verson, who was accompanied by Counsellor José Ernesto Díaz Pérez, reported on the humanitarian impact of the intensified US blockade and the brutal energy siege imposed by the United States against Cuba.
He explained that the cumulative effects of these coercive measures not only affect the entire Cuban population and refugees in our territory, but also have a direct bearing on Cubans' migration decisions.
Benítez Verson stressed that, despite the enormous obstacles posed by the blockade, Cuba will continue to make every effort to guarantee refugees in the national territory universal and free access to healthcare and education services, without discrimination. They will also continue to be provided with opportunities for professional development.
During UNHCR's 37 years of presence in our country, the UN agency has helped support more than 11,300 refugees in Cuba, originating from around 40 countries. Cuba has awarded scholarships to more than 3,500 young refugees.
The Cuban Ambassador reported that the country will continue to improve its legal and administrative framework on migration. One example is the new Migration Law, which will enter into force on November 1 and reflects the Cuban State's commitment to ensuring a safe, regulated and respectful environment for those seeking to settle in the country temporarily or permanently.
Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening regional and international solidarity and embracing shared responsibility, which are essential to addressing the structural causes of displacement.
They agreed to continue strengthening cooperation between Cuba and UNHCR in order to provide comprehensive, humane and sustainable responses to the challenges of displacement.