United Nations, New York, November 4, 2026. - Cuba’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán reaffirmed his country’s commitment to international protection of refugees and called for the strengthening of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), based on humanitarian principles, impartiality and respect of international law.
During the interactive dialogue with High Commissioner, Mr. Barham Salih that took place in the Third Committee of the General Assembly, the Cuban diplomat recognized the important work of the UNHCR for the benefit of the refugees, asylum-seekers and stateless persons. Likewise, he expressed concern over the financial situation of the body and highlighted the necessity to ensure that any process of reform contribute to the efficient fulfillment of its mandate.
Soberón Guzmán emphasized that institutional strengthening must result in a more dynamic, robust and field-focused organization capable of responding to the growing international humanitarian challenges.
In this context, he reiterated Cuba’s support for the "50par35" initiative, provided that its implementation does not imply transferring responsibilities to host states or reducing humanitarian assistance. He emphasized that the real success of these efforts lies in creating conditions that reduce the protection and assistance needs of vulnerable populations.
The Permanent Representative stressed the importance of preserving the strictly humanitarian, impartial and non-politicized nature of international refugee protection in full conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and international law.
Finally, he reaffirmed Cuba’s willingness to continue working with UNHCR for the benefit of refugees and in support of its humanitarian mandate.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations.