Paris, 16 June 2026. – The Cuban delegation denounced at UNESCO the severe impacts caused by the unprecedented intensification of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the Government of the United States against Cuba on the development of sport, physical education and recreation in the country.
The denunciation took place during the meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for Physical Education and Sport (CIGEPS), a body that brings together governmental representatives responsible for promoting public policies in favour of inclusive, equitable and safe sport.
In its intervention, Cuba expressed its gratitude to UNESCO and CIGEPS for the progress achieved in the development of the Global Policy Standards for Inclusive, Equitable and Safe Sport and Physical Education, as well as for the promotion of initiatives such as Fit for Life, aimed at strengthening the role of sport as a tool for sustainable development, social inclusion and people’s well-being.
The Cuban delegation reaffirmed the country’s historic commitment to universal access to sport and physical education, principles that have constituted a State policy since the triumph of the Revolution and which have been recently reinforced through the adoption of the Cuban Sports System Law.
However, it warned that these achievements face growing threats as a result of the intensification of unilateral coercive measures applied by the United States, aggravated by new provisions intended to further tighten the economic and energy blockade against the Island.
In this context, multiple impacts affecting the Cuban sports sector were highlighted, including obstacles to acquiring sporting goods, equipment, technologies and other specialised inputs; difficulties in carrying out international financial transactions; increased costs associated with participation in sporting events; and restrictions imposed on Cuban athletes, coaches and delegations.
The delegation recalled that these measures have had direct consequences on the international participation of Cuban athletes, including children and young people, who have been prevented from attending official competitions through visa denials and other discriminatory practices incompatible with the principles of sport and the spirit of international cooperation promoted by UNESCO.
Cuba warned that the current situation threatens to reverse important social achievements made over decades in the areas of physical education, community sport and elite performance, particularly affecting the most vulnerable sectors of the population.
Finally, the Cuban delegation called on the international community to reject the application of unilateral coercive measures contrary to international law and reiterated that sport must continue to be an instrument for peace, inclusion and understanding among peoples, never a victim of policies of coercion and exclusion.
Full statement:
Mr President,
We thank UNESCO and CIGEPS for the leadership shown in promoting inclusive, equitable and safe sport and physical education. We particularly welcome the progress made in the development of the Global Policy Standards for Inclusive Sport and Physical Education, as well as the Fit for Life initiatives, which Cuba fully supports.
Our country has shared these objectives for more than six decades. Universal access to sport, physical education and recreation constitutes a State policy and a guaranteed right for the entire population. The recent Cuban Sports System Law consolidates principles such as inclusion, gender equality, participation of persons with disabilities, ethics and sport for all. Through INDER and the national network of educational and community institutions, Cuba continues to promote healthy lifestyles and the integral development of children and young people.
However, we appear today with deep concern. Cuba is currently facing an unprecedented intensification of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States, aggravated this year by new measures aimed at strangling the national economy and restricting access to fuel. This policy directly affects the practice of sport and physical education.
The consequences of this policy are concrete and profoundly human. Cuban sports federations face obstacles in receiving payments and acquiring sporting goods, equipment and technologies; operational costs have significantly increased; and discriminatory actions persist, such as the denial of visas to Cuban athletes and delegations, depriving even children and young people of the right to participate in international competitions. We are facing a real threat of regression in important social achievements built over decades.
We call on Member States and UNESCO not to normalise this situation. It is not possible to speak of safe, inclusive and equitable sport while unilateral coercive measures—illegal in nature—are tolerated, measures that prevent a people from accessing essential resources, fully participating in international sporting life, and guaranteeing opportunities for their children and young people. Sport must unite peoples, not become another victim of coercion and economic punishment.
Thank you very much.