Geneva, Switzerland, April 6, 2026. Mr. Barham Salih, the new United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, received the Ambassador of Cuba, Rodolfo Benítez Verson, at the headquarters of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Geneva.
Both parties agreed that the world is experiencing a time of great instability, with millions of people forcibly displaced in all regions, making UNHCR's protection mandate more vital and urgent than ever.
The High Commissioner emphasized that he deeply values the sustained collaboration and dedication of the Cuban government to the protection and inclusion of refugees and stateless persons.
He emphasized that this commitment is reflected in the measures Cuba is taking to guarantee free access to health services and academic opportunities for refugees, as well as in the adoption of the new Migration Law.
He expressed his interest in continuing to work in close coordination with the Cuban government in fulfilling UNHCR's mandate.
The Cuban Ambassador, for his part, acknowledged UNHCR's valuable cooperation with Cuba, including the technical assistance provided to strengthen national capacities in responding to the effects of severe weather events.
The Cuban representative updated the High Commissioner on the United States government's policy of hostility and economic blockade against Cuba, which has intensified to unprecedented levels in recent years. Since January 29, this blockade has included a criminal energy embargo against the Island, with cumulative effects that severely impact the living conditions of the population, their development opportunities, and consequently, their migration decisions.
Benítez emphasized that, despite the impact of the blockade, Cuba will maintain its firm commitment to the protection and well-being of all refugees within its national territory.
The Cuban ambassador explained the country's actions to continue improving its legal and administrative framework for migration.The new Migration Law expands the guarantees and benefits for foreign nationals in our territory, simplifies administrative procedures, strengthens the protection of rights, and consolidates a humanistic and orderly approach to migration.
This legislation reflects the Cuban State's commitment to guaranteeing a safe, regulated, and respectful environment for those seeking to settle temporarily or permanently in the country.
Ambassador Rodolfo Benítez also reaffirmed Cuba's willingness to continue collaborating constructively with UNHCR and other States to provide comprehensive, humane, and sustainable responses to current challenges.
