Mr. President:
Cuba firmly supports the important work of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and is honored by its membership in it.
The work of this organization is even more relevant in an increasingly interconnected world, where migration has become a phenomenon of global reach and consequences.
The increase in current migratory flows is conditioned, among other factors, by the difficult global socio-economic situation, the asymmetries reproduced by the hegemonic system of domination from the centers of power, and by the unilateral coercive measures that negatively and directly impact many countries, fundamentally in those most vulnerable sectors.
The solutions proposed must have a comprehensive and cooperative approach, take into consideration the potential of each country, address the structural causes of migration, and be based on respect for human integrity and dignity.
Migrants and migratory flows are not a problem, but a phenomenon of our times, an expression of the challenges and problems of the international system.
Dialogue and cooperation are the path to promoting and guaranteeing regular, safe, and orderly migration, with full respect for human rights and for the priorities of each nation.
Mr. President:
The anti-immigrant policies promoted from the North and the repeated mass deportations used as a weapon of political pressure constitute serious violations of human rights.
The inhumane treatment to which migrants are subjected must be vigorously and resolutely condemned and rejected.
We all have the moral responsibility to bequeath to future generations a world with fewer inequalities and xenophobia; a world in which every migrant receives the fair and dignified treatment that their human condition merits.
The Member States of the IOM have the central role in the elaboration, discussion, and approval of the reform proposals required in the face of the serious financial crisis facing the Organization.
In this context, it is concerning that in the budget for 2026, only 5.7% of resources are allocated for projects in Latin America and the Caribbean, one of the most active regions on the planet in terms of migratory flows. These figures would jeopardize the continuity of joint programs that are key in the protection of migrants and in institutional supervision, planning, and management.
Mr. President:
For more than 60 years, Cuba has faced a cruel and inhumane economic blockade that is the main obstacle to the nation's development and is designed to generate shortages and hardships for our people, with a direct impact on migratory potential.
Cuba also faces the drain of its workforce as a consequence of the increase in migration.
The blockade constitutes a stimulus to irregular and unsafe emigration. This policy must cease, as demanded by the international community in an almost overwhelming manner.
Our country appreciates the valuable support of the IOM in the implementation of several bilateral cooperation projects to study internal migratory flows and the impact of climatic events on the movement of people.
Similarly, we appreciate the support of the IOM in the efforts to update our Migration Law.
Cuba is currently preparing its Report on the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration within the framework of the Review Forum. This planned exercise, for 2026, will serve to improve our internal mechanisms and strengthen cooperation with the IOM.
I conclude by reiterating our commitment to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. In the international efforts to build a migratory perspective of peace, understanding, and collaboration, Cuba will always be a dependable partner.
Thank you very much.