Mr. Chair,
Cuba supports the mandate of the Intergovernmental Working Group.
A legally binding international instrument on the human rights of older persons is necessary in an international context in which virtually every country is experiencing an increase in both the number and proportion of older persons.
The figures speak for themselves. By the end of the 2070s, the global population aged 65 and over is projected to reach 2.2 billion, outnumbering those under the age of 18.
Cuba is experiencing a high degree of population ageing. At the end of 2024, 25.7 per cent of the Cuban population was aged 60 years and over, making Cuba the most aged population in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Cuba has responded to population ageing through a rights-based and social policy approach. The 2019 Constitution of the Republic and subsequent legislation, including the Family Code, recognize the dignity, autonomy and enhanced protection of older persons.
In practice, this is reflected in comprehensive health care, specialized services, grandparents' day-care centres, residential care homes for older persons, support for caregivers, and shared responsibilities among the State, the family and society.
These efforts are hindered by the impact of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States, which was further intensified in 2026 through a severe energy blockade and secondary sanctions.
Fuel shortages and prolonged power outages affect hospitals, access to water, transportation, and the continuity of medical treatment.
These consequences fall particularly hard on older persons, especially those living with chronic illnesses, reduced mobility, or long-term care needs.
Mr. Chair,
Cuba believes that the future legally binding international instrument should include the following elements:
Be based on respect for the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
Uphold the principles of universality, indivisibility, interdependence and interrelatedness of all human rights.
Recognize older persons as full holders of all human rights, on an equal basis with all other persons.
Emphasize the central role of the State in promoting social protection policies for older persons.
Reflect the obligation of States to refrain from imposing, and to immediately cease, unilateral coercive measures against other States where such measures undermine the purpose and objectives of the future legally binding international instrument.
Include a section on technical assistance and international cooperation to facilitate the effective implementation by States Parties of the purposes and principles of the future international instrument.
Establish an international monitoring mechanism through a treaty body and a system of periodic reporting by States Parties, in line with the established practice of the United Nations human rights treaty bodies.
The Cuban delegation will participate in the work of this first session of the Working Group with concrete proposals and in a constructive spirit.
Thank you.