Mr. President,
Cuba reiterates its support for the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
We concur with the Independent Expert on the importance of protecting the rights of LBQ women. In Cuba, discrimination of any kind is prohibited by the Constitution and punishable by law.
Respect for the free exercise of sexual orientation and gender identity is actively promoted in our country, in line with the Cuban State's commitment to the full equality of rights and its rejection of all forms of discrimination.
Since the adoption of the new Constitution of the Republic in 2019, significant steps have been taken to strengthen the protection of the rights of LBQ women and to combat all forms of violence and discrimination against this community.
The Comprehensive Strategy for the Prevention of and Response to Gender-Based Violence and Violence in the Family Setting explicitly recognizes violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity and establishes measures for its prevention, early detection, response and redress.
The implementation of the Educational Strategy for Respect for Free and Responsible Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, led by the National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX), has strengthened comprehensive sexuality education, the prevention of prejudice-based violence, and the promotion of social environments free from discrimination.
We have made undeniable progress in this area, but much remains to be done. Stereotypes, prejudice and discriminatory attitudes still persist in the conduct of certain individuals.
Government support, awareness-raising activities carried out by public institutions, and the work of civil society organizations are all aimed at eradicating these practices and addressing the social challenges that remain.
Thank you.