Paris, 16 October – The Permanent Delegation of Cuba to UNESCO highlighted the negative impact of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the Government of the United States, as well as the inclusion of Cuba on the unilateral list of alleged State Sponsors of Terrorism, on the financial situation of the Organization.
During the debates on Financial Matters, the Cuban Delegation denounced that these unilateral coercive measures affect not only Cuba, but also the regular functioning of multilateral international organizations. In this regard, it was emphasized that the U.S. blockade hinders, even, UNESCO’s ability to receive the corresponding financial contribution from Cuba as a Member State.
The Delegation explained that the financial persecution against Cuba is of such magnitude that it directly impacts financial operations with international organizations, by limiting access to banking and payment platforms, as well as causing the retention or delay of transactions by international banks, which act out of fear of U.S. reprisals.
These impacts take on particular gravity in the current critical context faced by UNESCO, largely marked by the non-payment of contributions by one of the largest contributors to the Organization’s regular budget, responsible for 22% of the ordinary budget. The new withdrawal announced by the United States generates a scenario of financial uncertainty that compromises UNESCO’s operational stability.
The Permanent Delegation of Cuba emphasized that, in this context, the situation of countries that are victims of unilateral coercive measures—such as the genocidal blockade policy applied against Cuba—constitutes an aggravating factor that cannot and must not be ignored by the international community.
Cuba reiterated its firm commitment to multilateralism, to the fulfillment of its obligations as a Member State, and to the defense of a strong, inclusive, and financially sustainable UNESCO, free from political pressure and from unilateral measures contrary to International Law.