Mr. President and Moderator,
The principle of equality and non-discrimination is fully recognized in the Cuban legal framework, including the Magna Carta of 2019.
Contrary to the daily reality in the United States, where there is a serious problem of structural and systemic racism, fostered by a state policy apparatus that justifies or normalizes racist and discriminatory behavior, in Cuba we are all equal before the law, we receive the same protection and treatment from the authorities, and enjoy the same rights, freedoms and opportunities. Discrimination of any kind, including racial discrimination, is prohibited and severely punished by law.
There is no discrimination in access to education and health, which are universal and free rights for all. There is also no discrimination in access to the most important state and government positions. The 45.11% of the deputies in the current legislature of the Cuban Parliament are black and mulatto. The same goes for the Vice President of the Republic, the President of the Parliament and the Council of State, a Deputy Prime Minister, the President of the Supreme Court, the Minister of Justice and the Minister-President of the Central Bank of Cuba.
Nevertheless, we are not satisfied. We will continue to work tirelessly to completely eradicate any vestige of racism or racial discrimination that may persist in the social environment. The National Program against Racism and Racial Discrimination "Color Cubano", personally directed by the President of the Republic, pursues this objective.
We are a nation proud of its mixed race. My country's anti-racist ruling is well known, both inside and outside its borders. Nothing will prevent us from building an increasingly just society for all, through the socialist path freely and sovereignly chosen by our people.
Thank you