During the Fourth Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations, Yuri Gala López, reiterated our country's firm commitment to eradicate all vestiges of racism and racial discrimination.
In the framework of the thematic debate on policymaking and systemic racism, the Cuban diplomat stressed that the principle of equality and non-discrimination is fully enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Cuba, approved in 2019.
He contrasted this reality with the situation in the United States, where he affirmed that a serious problem of structural and systemic racism persists, fed by power structures that normalize discrimination. In contrast, he stressed that in Cuba all citizens are equal before the law and enjoy equal access to rights, services and opportunities.
Gala López emphasized that in Cuba there is no discrimination in access to education and health, which are both guaranteed universally and free of charge. He also highlighted the racial diversity represented at the highest levels of the state and government, mentioning that 45.11% of the deputies in the Cuban Parliament are black and mulatto, as well as several key figures in the national leadership.
The National Program against Racism and Racial Discrimination "Color Cubano", personally led by the President of the Republic, aims at the total eradication of any vestige of racism in our society, said the Ambassador.
He concluded by affirming that Cuba is proud of its mestizo heritage and its anti-racist path, both domestically and internationally, and that nothing will stop its efforts to build a more just and inclusive society on the socialist path freely and sovereignly chosen by its people.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations