The plenary session to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was held this Friday at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Ambassador Daylenis Moreno Guerra, Deputy Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations, emphasized her country's commitment to the eradication of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. She urged the international community to address the root causes of these scourges, such as poverty, underdevelopment, the legacy of colonialism and lack of education.
He also stressed the importance of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action as a pillar of international efforts against racism, and reaffirmed Cuba's commitment to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. At the same time, he welcomed the proclamation of the Second United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (2025-2034).
In her speech, Ambassador Moreno Guerra expressed concern about the persistence of discriminatory practices in some countries, particularly in the United States, where she denounced structural and systemic racism affecting Afro-descendant, Latino, and indigenous minorities. He also criticized the discriminatory treatment of migrants and U.S. support for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
He highlighted the progress made by the largest of the Antilles in the fight against racism, through the National Program against Racism and Racial Discrimination and the National Commission "Color Cubano" (Cuban color). He highlighted the recent holding of international events in Cuba on the fight against racial discrimination and equality.
Finally, she concluded her speech by quoting our Commander-in-Chief, Fidel Castro, who stated that "racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia are social, cultural and political phenomena, not a natural instinct of human beings," and called on the international community to work together to eradicate these scourges.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations