This Monday, in the framework of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), Osmayda Hernández Beleño, member of the National Secretariat of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC), participated in the interactive dialogue on "Poverty Eradication, Social Protection and Social Services".
In her statement, she emphasized that Cuban social policy is closely linked to inclusion and social protection, from a rights-based approach and a comprehensive vision. He emphasized that the Constitution of the Republic of Cuba supports the dignity, humanism and ethics of citizenship for the enjoyment of freedom, justice, equality, solidarity and individual and collective prosperity.
He also emphasized that the design and implementation of public policies in Cuba are focused on achieving and maintaining important social achievements, with a high level of coverage and free access to a significant part of services, under the principle of leaving no one behind. In this regard, he stated that the identification of and attention to inequalities is one of the pillars of Cuban strategy for development.
He also informed that, despite the financial tensions caused by the unilateral measures of the United States government, which limit access to international credits, Cuba has reaffirmed the social character of the budget, dedicating 71% of expenditures to ensure the continuity of free services in the areas of health, education, security, social assistance, access to culture and sports.
Hernández Beleño informed that the Cuban State benefits more than 189 thousand families through social assistance programs, which include support for mothers of severely disabled children, home assistants and transportation services for specialized care. He referred to the extension of the payment of social benefits for maternity to 15 months, as part of the implementation of policies to address demographic dynamics and the program for the advancement of women.
He concluded by saying that the National Economic and Social Development Plan until 2030 includes programs for the implementation of public policies aimed at social prevention, access and quality of social services, in order to achieve higher levels of human development, equity and social justice in society.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations