Mr. President,
Ministers of Labor of the Non-Aligned Movement,
Esteemed representatives and observers,
The Cuban delegation would like to thank the Republic of Azerbaijan, in its capacity as Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, for its leadership in the preparation of this important meeting.
Our Movement, the main mechanism for political consultation among the countries of the South, remains relevant at the current international juncture. It is essential to preserve its unity in diversity, which is its main strength, in order to face the pressing global challenges. Together we are stronger.
This area for dialogue and consultation offers an excellent opportunity to continue to promote our positions and interests on issues within the competence of the ILO. In this sense, we support the draft declaration presented.
The topics on the agenda of the 110th Session of the International Labor Conference are of particular importance for our peoples, with special emphasis on the report of the ILO Director-General, which calls for focusing the work of the Organization on the Least Developed Countries and emphasizes the need for structural transformation in these countries as a precondition for lasting sustainable development.
The ILO is in a position to contribute to addressing the devastating effects of COVID-19 on societies, economies, the livelihoods of workers, their families and the world of work in general.
Mr. President,
Cuba faced COVID-19 pandemic with determination and effectiveness, despite the unjust and criminal economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the US government against my country for six decades now, which was tightened during the pandemic in a deliberate, cruel and opportunistic way.
A set of government actions aimed at protecting Cuban workers were immediately put in place. In Cuba, no one lost their jobs and vulnerable families were protected.
The country provided mass protection of the entire population by using its own vaccines, being the first nation in the world to roll a mass vaccination campaign against COVID-19 in children from two to eleven years of age. At present, 89.9% of the population is fully vaccinated. This has been possible thanks to the development of our biotechnology industry, the work and legacy of the Commander in Chief, Fidel Castro Ruz.
We are working on the implementation of labor and social policies in line with the Cuban economic and social model, to take steps forward in the promotion of and access to quality jobs in the state and non-state sectors, reducing informality.
Progress is also being made in the implementation of an Employment Management Service to help young people, women, people in vulnerable situations and others of special interest, to enter the labor market. In addition, the country is strengthening the Occupational Health and Safety, and the Social Security services and procedures continue to be improved in order to guarantee universal coverage, sustainability and adequacy of the system, among others.
Mr. President,
Cuba, a founding member of the NAM, is fully committed to its founding objectives, in defense of multilateralism and the promotion of dialogue and cooperation.
We reiterate our inescapable commitment to continue working together with the other NAM member states for the establishment of a democratic, just and equitable international order that responds to the demands for peace, sustainable development and justice of the peoples of the world.
Thank you very much.