Mr. Chairman,
My delegation associates itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries.
Seventeen years after the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, its full implementation remains an outstanding issue in the path towards the full enjoyment of equal rights for all human beings.
The effective implementation of the Durban Accords is a challenge and a moral obligation, not only to resolve the serious discrimination situations we currently face worldwide, but also to settle the debt owed to the millions of victims of these abominable practices throughout history. To attain this goal, national and international political will as well as the consolidation of a genuine culture of peace, international cooperation and solidarity are essential.
We note with deep concern that far from diminishing, the manifestations of racism and xenophobia are growing and even manifested through new and sophisticated forms. More worryingly, this continues to happen precisely in the year when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is approaching its 70th anniversary. This is a space for Member States to engage in intensive discussions so that, as a result of the ongoing reform process, we can bring the United Nations closer to what our peoples need.
Also this year, as we engage in important negotiation processes for the adoption of the Global Compacts on Migrants and Refugees, these manifestations of intolerance are increasing and particularly target these people, who come from different cultures and regions of the world where war, violence and poverty are widespread. Discussions on these matters are an opportunity not to be missed by all States in order to strengthen international cooperation in fighting racial discrimination, overcoming exclusionist stereotypes and respecting human dignity, regardless of national, ethnic or religious origin.
Mr. Chairman,
Cuba upholds its unchanged willingness to support and promote all actions taken to drive the implementation of the Durban commitments.
It is time to end discrimination against entire races, ethnicities, nations and communities. Effective measures must be taken to eliminate the root causes of these problems, including underdevelopment, poverty and social exclusion.
We reiterate our commitment to continue supporting this effort. Accordingly, we reaffirm our willingness to continue to implement the Programme of Activities of the International Decade for People of African Descent at the national level and to support the work of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Mr. Chairman,
We Cubans are proud of the diverse origin of our nation, to whose formation many peoples contributed. That pride is expressed in practice through a clear political will on the part of our State and Government to fight any manifestations of racism or intolerance, the implementation of an economic and social policy that does not discriminate against anyone on any grounds and also in its uncompromising international solidarity.
This is further expressed through the exercise of a highly participatory democracy in which all Cubans, regardless of their origin, skin color, creed or political opinion, enjoy equal rights. Precisely during these days, Cuba is undergoing the last stage of a general election process in which 85,65 percent of the more than eight million Cubans with the right to vote went to the polls and freely expressed their majority support for the construction and continuous improvement of an economic, political and social project, based on justice, solidarity and human wellbeing and an increasingly prosperous and sustainable Socialism.
While reaffirming its strong commitment to the promotion and respect of all human rights for all, Cuba will continue to engage in the fight against racism and other forms of discrimination for the realization of the rights of peoples and respect for diversity.
Thank you very much.