During her speech at the annual session of UNICEF's Executive Board, Dalia Marlen Torres Seara, oficial of the Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations, reaffirmed Cuba's commitment to protecting and promoting children's rights despite the complex international context.
The diplomat stressed that these problems are exacerbated in Cuba by the U.S. blockade, which she said is the main obstacle to national development. Nevertheless, she emphasized that Cuba continues to implement universal public policies and comprehensive programs for the care of children and adolescents.
She highlighted UNICEF's role and its long-standing relationship with Cuba, particularly its support in acquiring 70,000 to 100,000 MMR vaccine doses annually, covering the entire child population in 2024. UNICEF also supported the acquisition of equipment for the cold chain and medical supplies, such as syringes, as well as the technical training of health personnel.
Regarding UNICEF's new Strategic Plan for the period 2026-2029, Cuba positively valued its focus on priority issues such as health, nutrition, education and the protection of children from disasters and climate emergencies. The Cuban delegation called for an ambitious and inclusive plan that takes into account the growing needs of developing countries and demanded adequate, flexible and predictable resources to ensure the agency's operational capacity.
The Cuban official concluded by reiterating the Island's support for UNICEF's mandate and its support for international efforts aimed at protecting children, as a premise for building fairer, more sustainable and humane societies.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations