New York, 18 February, 2026 – The Deputy Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations Daylenis Moreno Guerra, took part in the First Regular Session of the UN Women Executive Board, where she reaffirmed Cuba’s resolute commitment to the advancement of women and the defense of multilateralism.
During her statement, the Cuban diplomat warned on the complex international context facing humanity, marked by escalating conflicts, new forms of aggression against southern countries and the increase of poverty, inequality and exclusion which particularly affect women and girls. She also voiced concern over the recent attacks on the multilateral system and stressed Cuba’s support to the work of UN Women, together with the call to ensure sufficient, flexible and predictable funding to enable it to fully fulfill its mandate.
The Ambassador highlighted that the advancement of women constitutes a strategic priority for Cuba, reflected in its legal and political framework –including the Constitution of the Republic, the Family Code and the comprehensive strategy on prevention and attention to gender-based violence and domestic violence. She noted that Cuban women have played a key role in the country’s social and political process, and that the Revolution cannot be conceived without their active participation.
However, she condemned the fact that social advances including those related to women’s rights have been severely hampered by the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the government of the United States, as well as by recent measures aimed at restricting fuel supplies to the Caribbean nation. She explained that these actions have a direct impact on health, nutrition, education and the wellbeing of the Cuban people with disproportionate effects on women and girls.
As a concrete example, she pointed out that more than 32.800 pregnant women face currently additional risks stemming from energy limitations, while essential services for newborns, oncology pediatric patients and individuals requiring urgent surgery are compromised. She stressed that these realities lay bare the human cost of the unilateral coercive measures.
The Deputy Permanent Representative reaffirmed that, despite the challenges, Cuba will remain determined to uphold its independence and continue advancing toward a more just and inclusive society, where women and girls can fully exercise their rights and develop their full potential.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations.