Mr. President,
Twenty-five years after the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, the principles agreed in that document remain largely unfulfilled.
In many parts of the world, structural racism persists, particularly in developed countries. The historical debt owed to the peoples who suffered the transatlantic slave trade and slavery also continues to be evaded.
In this context, Cuba reaffirms its commitment to the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance.
In a few days, our country will present its report before the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This will be an opportunity to continue the constructive dialogue with that body and to take stock of the progress made in the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
In our country, institutional and structural racial discrimination has been eradicated. The Cuban Revolution declared racial discrimination a crime and has promoted social, educational and labour inclusion policies that have made it possible to advance towards a more equitable society. However, we are not satisfied. We will continue addressing remaining manifestations of discrimination in order to guarantee full equality of rights and opportunities for all Cubans.
In Cuba, very useful and effective instruments include the National Programme against Racism and Racial Discrimination, and the Social Observatory known as “Color Cubano,” in whose implementation civil society plays a leading role. These mechanisms allow us to address racial discrimination from a comprehensive perspective, ranging from values education to the improvement of the legal framework and community work.
Although much remains to be done, Cuba has many achievements to present in the practical implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.
For the Cuban State, achieving full social justice and eliminating the remaining vestiges of racism in our society will remain a priority.
Thank you.