New York, 30 June 2026. – Cuba’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, reiterated Cuba’s unwavering support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) during the General Assembly’s Special Committee meeting on Voluntary Contributions. The Ambassador highlighted the Agency’s indispensable role in securing the essential rights of the Palestinian people amid the severe humanitarian crisis caused by Israel’s aggression.
The Cuban diplomat stressed that UNRWA is a mainstay for guaranteeing millions of refugees’ access to education, health care, food, drinking water, and sanitation. He recognized the work of its staff, who continue to provide vital assistance despite attacks on UNRWA’s facilities, the tragic loss of human life, and the persistent financial deficit that threatens the continuity of its operations.
Ambassador Soberón expressed Cuba’s deep concern over the situation of Palestinian refugees registered in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. He emphasized that the lack of necessary funding for UNRWA’s programs increases uncertainty about the Agency’s future and jeopardizes the protection and urgent assistance required by millions of people.
He also denounced that the attacks against UNRWA are part of a strategy aimed at depriving the Palestinian people of shelter and humanitarian assistance amid the genocide taking place in Gaza. He further asserted that these actions constitute an attack against the United Nations and international law. The Ambassador reiterated Cuba’s rejection of Israel’s ban on the Agency’s activities and demanded that Israel allow immediate, unrestricted access for sufficient humanitarian aid, as well as the full operation of UNRWA.
The Permanent Representative highlighted the need to guarantee sufficient, predictable, and sustainable funding to ensure the Agency can continue fulfilling its vital mandate. He reaffirmed that the international community bears the responsibility of preserving UNRWA’s work amid unprecedented challenges.
Finally, Ambassador Soberón reaffirmed that, guided by the humanist ideals of the Revolution and its historic support for the legitimate Palestinian cause, Cuba will continue its contributions to the education of Palestinian youth, particularly in the health sector. He ratified Cuba’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and its support for the exercise of their inalienable right to self-determination, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations.