Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Daylenis Moreno Guerra, reaffirmed Cuba’s strong commitment to the final elimination of colonialism, at the Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24), as well as the full implementation of the United Nations mandates in terms of decolonization.
During the consideration of the item on information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 (e) of the Charter of the United Nations, the Cuban diplomat highlighted the essential role played by the Organization and, in particular the Special Committee on Decolonization for more than six decades of work for the right of peoples to self-determination and independence.
Cuba’s representative Moreno Guerra stressed that, as long as there is a population subjected to colonialism, the decolonization work of the United Nations will remain an unfinished task and an inescapable priority for the international community. She also noted that current global challenges, including poverty, food and energy insecurity, the digital divide, environmental degradation and the effects of climate change, are also impacting the Non-Self-Governing Territories and hampering their development prospects.
Ambassador Moreno-Guerra emphasized the importance of compliance with Article 73 (e) of the Charter, which establishes the administering powers’ obligation to regularly transmit information to the Secretary-General on the economic, social, and educational conditions of the territories under their administration. She indicated that such reports constitute an indispensable tool for the Special Committee and the United Nations Secretariat to objectively and comprehensively assess the situation of each territory and to formulate recommendations consistent with the aspirations of its peoples.
In her address, the Cuban representative expressed concern at the failure of some administering powers to comply with this obligation, a situation reflected repeatedly in the reports submitted by the Secretary-General. She also reiterated the call of the General Assembly for the administering powers to cooperate fully with the Special Committee and to participate officially in sessions and seminars.
Ambassador Moreno Guerra concluded by reaffirming that cooperation, respectful dialogue and timely exchange of information are essential elements for strengthening the work of the Special Committee on Decolonization and making effective progress towards the completion of the decolonization process, in line with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations